The future of five regional arts organisations in the Hunter is more secure after acquiring multi-year funding from the NSW Government.
It’s a timely injection for the quintet, which endured some financial uncertainty following the intervention of COVID in 2020 and, subsequent, lack of in-person programs.
The Newcastle Writers Festival will garner $245,000 annually from 2026 to 2028, while the Newcastle Museum is set to collect $195,000.
Tantrum Youth Arts picked up $180,000, Flipside Dance Inc snared $140,000 and the Hunter Writers’ Group pocketed $120,000.
The money is expected to allow those groups to build long-term workforce capacity, unlock opportunities and make lasting and impactful arts and cultural experiences accessible for all.
“Newcastle’s one of NSW’s biggest arts and cultural hubs,” Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said.
“So, it’s fantastic to see five local organisations receive multi-year funding from the NSW Government.
“I am thrilled this investment is flowing to our region, giving the recipients some stability.
“That will enable world-class arts and culture to be fostered, created, delivered and experienced locally.”
Founding director Rosemarie Milsom admitted the announcement brought her to tears, knowing the Newcastle Writers Festival had been singled out as a “flagship event”.
“I’ve completed a decade of annual applications,” she said.
“So, this removes the anxiety of not knowing if we’d be able to go ahead at the conclusion of each festival.
“We wouldn’t be where we are without Create NSW support.
“I am excited about where we’re headed now.
“The festival has a solid strategic plan and at its core is a commitment to creating opportunities for reading and writing to flourish… and for the community to come together to discuss ideas that matter.”
Ms Milson said the event had steadily been rebuilding its audience after the challenges of COVID.
“This year’s festival, in April, attracted 9,000 people,” she explained.
“A comprehensive evaluation undertaken by the University of Newcastle’s Dr Lizette Olivier showed that 97% of attendees considered it important to regional cultural life.
“In fact, 86% of them visited the CBD to attend the festival, which demonstrated how much of a drawcard the event had become.”
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