South West Arts

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Image Credit: Warren Mason performing at Tin Camp Studio, Lightning Ridge place-based music venue, Outback Arts, 2024. Photo: Outback Outloud Rainy King

Heartland: a plan for regional NSW arts, culture and creative industries 2026–2035 builds upon Creative Communities as its foundational policy, while addressing the unique opportunities and challenges faced by regional NSW, by committing to six strategic priorities that strengthen the regional sector and unlock its potential.

This plan celebrates creativity and creative practice as central to community identity and economic prosperity. It builds on evidence by expanding successful programs and projects delivered across NSW Government, supporting arts and culture to thrive in regional NSW, including Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program and grant opportunities like the Regional Touring Fund.

Through an integrated approach across government, industry, community and the creative sector, this plan will build partnerships, strengthen investment, activate networks, expand creative opportunities and enable sustainable growth.

Art and culture is coming to town across regional NSW
Tuesday 3 March 2026
Thirteen exceptional touring productions and exhibitions will travel across regional NSW over the coming years,
showcasing the state’s extraordinary breadth of arts and cultural talent for audiences of all ages.
Award-winning First Nations-led storytelling, inspiring musical performances, popular children’s theatre shows,
comedy, dance and more – the diverse performances offer something for everyone, making arts and cultural
experiences more accessible for regional communities.
Create NSW’s 2025/26 Regional Arts Touring fund is delivering more than $850,000 to support 13 productions
and exhibitions to head out on tour to 49 regional communities.

South West Arts Inc - South by Southwest Regional Touring Program
The South by Southwest Regional Touring Program will deliver diverse arts and cultural experiences to rural and remote
communities in south west NSW. The program builds on a proven model, touring new works and engaging local artists and
arts workers, to strengthen community wellbeing through equitable cultural access and participation.

Exhibits

Hina Matsuri Exhibit

369 George Street, Deniliquin, 2710

Up 'til 9pm daily

until mid-March

Hallway Gallery at South West Arts Creative Business Centre
122 Ends Street, Deniliquin, 2710

Regional Arts NSW

Announcing RALLY Assembly

RANSW and Cementa invite our community to the 2-day RALLY Assembly. This free event will be an opportunity to learn from experts, share practice and to generate new ideas that will contribute to our regional towns becoming vibrant and active places.

23-24 April 2026

WAYOUT Artspace, Kandos

FREE (registration required)

Limited travel bursaries available:

We understand that the cost of travel and accommodation can make it difficult or impossible for some to attend. In the interest in making attendance accessible, RANSW is offering limited bursaries for people attending from regional NSW who need help to cover these costs.

Individual artists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Online Workshop: The Tyranny of Distance

Again and again, artists across regional NSW tell us that isolation and distance are their biggest challenges.

In this workshop, Regional Arts NSW CEO, Dr Tracey Callinan and a guest regional artist (tba), will provide guidance on how to bridge that gap. Over the course of 2 hours, you will learn:

How to stay motivated & avoid burnout as a regional artist
How to build a creative community locally and online
How to connect with your local Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) and other local art groups

There will also be a dedicated time for networking at the end, so you can meet other regional artists and share your experiences.