Newcastle’s Cultural Scene Set to Thrive with $250K Boost for 2025 New Annual Festival

newy.com.au – City of Newcastle has been awarded $250,000 through the NSW Government’s Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival program to enhance the 2025 New Annual festival, a celebration of the city’s rich cultural diversity and a catalyst for local economic growth.

New Annual, Newcastle’s premier arts and cultural festival, has played a pivotal role in elevating the city’s reputation as a creative hub. Since its inception, the festival has supported over 1,500 artists and attracted more than 95,000 visitors in its first three years, providing a significant boost to local businesses and the hospitality sector.

A major highlight of the 2025 festival will be the much-anticipated reopening of the Newcastle Art Gallery following an ambitious multi-million-dollar expansion. The transformation adds 1,600 square metres of exhibition space, a new café and retail shop, educational program rooms, and enhanced facilities to host international exhibitions. The expanded gallery is expected to draw increased tourism and cement Newcastle’s standing as a cultural destination.

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp welcomed the funding and highlighted the impact of New Annual on the local creative community.

“I am delighted that New Annual will be returning to our streets again in celebration of our beloved Newcastle Art Gallery and local artists,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“New Annual continues to strengthen Newcastle’s position as a centre for art, supporting artists, providing vital career pathways for students, and engaging the community with high-calibre local art.”

City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge also praised the funding, reinforcing the festival’s importance in fostering inclusivity and economic activity.

“New Annual is our flagship cultural festival and has truly elevated the work of Newcastle’s thriving creative community,” Dr Kerridge said.

“The festival proudly amplifies multicultural voices, with thousands of people attending Global Gathering, a celebration of diverse traditions, food, art forms, and cultural expressions.

“As well as stimulating the diversity and depth of Newcastle’s local cultural community, New Annual continues to strengthen our position as a cultural tourism destination, providing a boost for local businesses.”

The festival will see the return of its signature event, ‘Global Gathering,’ a day-long multicultural celebration that has drawn thousands in previous years. With performances, food stalls, workshops, and art displays representing various cultures, the event is a testament to Newcastle’s commitment to inclusion and cultural appreciation.

The 2025 New Annual festival is scheduled to run from 26 September to 5 October, featuring a dynamic program spanning visual arts, dance, theatre, music, multimedia, and interdisciplinary art forms. Under the leadership of newly appointed Festival Director Tory Loudon, the festival aims to showcase Newcastle’s creative excellence while fostering opportunities for local and emerging artists.

With strong backing from the NSW Government, New Annual continues to cement itself as a vital part of Newcastle’s cultural calendar, drawing visitors from across the region and supporting the city’s vibrant arts sector.