Newcastle’s cultural future is set to take centre stage with the development of a new 10-year Cultural Plan aimed at strengthening the city’s arts, culture, and creative industries. Expressions of interest are now open to support research and development for the strategy, which will build on the achievements of the existing plan endorsed in 2016 and outline a clear vision for the next decade.

Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Jenny Barrie, said Newcastle has a long history of supporting and investing in cultural opportunities.

“City of Newcastle has continuously worked to enhance community pride and cultural identity through investment in arts, venues, and events,” Jenny said.

“This has included our Cultural Precinct Plan, which encourages greater cultural connectivity and audience engagement across Newcastle’s diverse creative spaces. I look forward to the development of this new strategy and our ongoing collaboration with the creative community to amplify emerging opportunities.”

Councillors Deahnna Richardson and Sinead Francis-Coan, who also serve on the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, welcomed the initiative and its focus on supporting local talent.

“This plan will strengthen long-term support for both established and emerging creative practitioners showcased through institutions like the Newcastle Museum, Civic Theatre, Newcastle Art Gallery, and local libraries,” Deahnna said.

“Newcastle’s previous cultural strategy helped establish the New Annual arts festival and drive the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery. I’m excited to see this next phase continue supporting creatives, securing creative spaces, and shaping our city’s vibrant cultural life,” Sinead added.

The development of the Cultural Plan follows a notice of motion endorsed by the previous elected council in July 2024.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Creative and Community Services, Alissa Jones, said the strategy will define the role of local government as a partner, advocate, enabler, and investor in Newcastle’s cultural ecosystem.

“The plan will explore Newcastle’s cultural infrastructure, consider the retention and expansion of affordable creative workspaces, and evaluate the use of City of Newcastle owned and managed facilities,” Alissa said.

“It will also determine investment focus areas for programs, service delivery, and strategic support for local creatives and creative spaces.”

City of Newcastle reaffirmed its commitment to a thriving creative sector at the first meeting of the new Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, where the 10-year Cultural Plan was discussed.

IMAGE | Cr Sinead Francis-Coan, City of Newcastle Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones, Cr Jenny Barrie and Cr Deahnna Richardson support the upcoming development of a 10-year Cultural Plan.