Who We Are

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> Read the report here <

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In 2023-4, we carried out important new research to learn more about our creative sector today and explore its potential to grow in future.‍

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What did we do?

We gathered information about our arts and culture industries from a range of different places, including:

• one-on-one interviews with key representatives of our arts and culture sector;
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• data from trusted sources like the Australian Bureau of Statistics, publications about arts, culture, tourism, industry and community, past research in the Northern Rivers, and grant applications and acquittals data; and
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• a region-wide survey of 678 artists and audiences.

We then analysed the findings and developed a groundbreaking report called Who We Are: A Profile of the Northern Rivers Creative Sector.

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Why this research? Why now?

Our region is renowned for its creativity, yet there hasn’t been enough data available to truly understand the size, value and impact of this important sector. This gap was especially clear after the challenges of floods, fires and Covid-19.

This research provides a detailed picture of the current state of the Northern Rivers arts and culture industries, and the challenges, needs, and priorities of our artists and audiences. It also underscores the significant role arts and culture play in our community, economy, tourism, cultural heritage, health and wellbeing.

Who We Are is a vital tool for arts advocacy. Having an accurate picture of our creative community ensures that support goes where it’s needed most.  

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Watch the recording of our live webinar:

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What next?

We are excited to share the findings of Who We Are, and invite you to join the conversation in the following ways:‍
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• ‍SOAP SOCIAL (Murwillumbah)
  Thursday 29 May, 6pm
  > Registrations opening soon
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• Byron School of Art (Mullumbimby)
  Thursday 5 June, 4pm
  > Registrations opening soon
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• Literary Allsorts opening event, Kyogle Readers & Writers (Kyogle)
  Friday 13 June
  > Registrations opening soon
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More events will be added as they are confirmed. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date.

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In-person presentations

We are eager to share the Who We Are report across the Northern Rivers and nationally, and welcome invitations for in-person presentations on its findings, growth potential and opportunities. To arrange a session, please contact ANR’s Operations Manager, Jen Boelen - jen@artsnorthernrivers.com.au

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Creative Data Desk

Researcher Tandi Palmer Williams from Patternmakers will be supporting you to understand the data from the report and how to apply it to your work.

Whether you're working on grants, writing a report, or designing a new program within the arts and culture arena, the right data is a powerful tool. It is also valuable for cross-over projects focussed on health, the environment and socially engaged community projects.

Free consultations are available on the first Wednesday of each month, beginning in May 2025, at the ANR office in Lismore or online.

> BOOK YOUR DATA DESK SESSIONS <

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Questions?

For more information about this project, please contact info@artsnorthernrivers.com.au