Newcastle Charts a Bold Course with 10-Year Cultural Roadmap

newy.com.au – Newcastle is setting the stage for a decade of cultural growth, unveiling plans for a new 10-year strategy to bolster the city’s arts, culture, and creative industries. The City of Newcastle has opened expressions of interest to shape the development of its Cultural Plan, aiming to build upon the successes of its previous strategy, which was introduced in 2016.

Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, highlighted Newcastle’s strong creative identity and history of supporting cultural initiatives. “Newcastle has long championed arts and culture, investing in community pride and fostering local identity,” Cr Barrie said. She also pointed to the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance cultural connections through initiatives like the Cultural Precinct Plan.

The new strategy has also been backed by Councillors Deahnna Richardson and Sinead Francis-Coan, who serve on the advisory committee. Cr Richardson emphasised the importance of sustaining long-term support for both emerging and established artists, noting the significant funding and opportunities provided through Newcastle’s museums, theatres, galleries, and grant programs. Meanwhile, Cr Francis-Coan acknowledged the city’s dynamic arts scene and expressed enthusiasm for continued investment, particularly in securing spaces for creatives and strengthening Newcastle’s nightlife.

The Cultural Plan is a direct response to a motion passed by the previous council in July 2024. City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Creative and Community Services, Alissa Jones, said the plan would clarify the council’s role in fostering the city’s cultural and creative ecosystem. “It will examine Newcastle’s cultural infrastructure, address the need for more affordable creative workspaces, and outline strategic priorities for future investment in programs and service delivery,” Ms Jones said.

The proposal was discussed at the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee last week. Expressions of interest are open until 1 April via Tenderlink, with the final plan expected to be completed by the end of the year.