Maitland included in $5.2 million Heartland plan for regional NSW arts and culture

newy.com.au – Maitland has been included in a new NSW Government strategy for regional arts and culture, with a $5.2 million funding package aimed at boosting creative industries and cultural tourism across the state, released on Tuesday 17 February 2026.

The 10-year roadmap, titled Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, is the first dedicated plan for the sector and follows consultation in communities including Maitland. The government says regional creativity already employs 52,520 people and contributes more than $6.2 billion in cultural tourism spending.

Consultations across regional NSW found arts and culture were important for bringing communities together and helping to keep young people in regional towns. Regional communities, including Maitland, also raised the role of creative activity in supporting people dealing with disasters including drought, flood and fire.

Heartland outlines six priorities, including championing regional First Nations arts and culture, strengthening partnerships and networks, unlocking creative spaces, opening doors to creative careers, and supporting regional storytelling and innovation. The package includes $400,000 over two years to work with First Nations creative and cultural communities to explore opportunities to bring arts and cultural practitioners together.

A Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Fund will receive $1 million to support co-funded initiatives with arts and cultural organisations, councils, universities, philanthropists and business, while $250,000 will establish a local government pilot to encourage place-based philanthropy in regional NSW. The strategy also includes a $2 million Regional Night-Time Economy Program pilot to support 10 regional town business collectives to develop their local economies from the day into the night.

Other spending includes $200,000 for new creative and community hubs through the Creative Heritage Rail program. A further $250,000 will fund 16 paid internship positions delivered by regional arts and cultural organisations, alongside $50,000 for regional community bands to support youth participation and engagement.

To expand touring and audience development, the government will provide $500,000 to increase support for regional touring programs, with a focus on practitioner skills and new audiences. That funding is supported by $250,000 to employ producer and touring brokerage roles in regional NSW, and $100,000 for capacity building for regional touring framework organisations, starting with Music in the Regions.

The plan also includes a sustainability fund for the Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) network, intended to restore funding levels and provide a safety net for organisations undergoing restructure and revitalisation. An additional $200,000 will deliver an Arts and Cultural Tourism Program for NSW First Nations practitioners and communities.

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said the plan reflected the city’s existing creative scene. “Maitland is renowned for its talented local artists and Regional Art Gallery – and this plan cements the NSW Government’s commitment to not only highlight the amazing creative and cultural experiences in Regional NSW but also support opportunities for local artists and creatives,” Aitchison said.

Aitchison said Maitland had “great venues and amazing talent”, and encouraged Maitland City Council, local art groups and artists to explore funding opportunities under the strategy.

Arts Minister John Graham said: “Regional artists, creative organisations and cultural festivals play a critical role in their local communities – culture brings people together and boosts local economies.” Graham said: “That is why we’re investing in regional artists and cultural organisations to do what they do best – tell local stories, bring communities together, and contribute to the economic life of the regions.”

Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries is available on the NSW Government website, with applications open for the Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program and the Regional NSW Community Bands Program.