Creative Sector Mapping: A Research Project
The Northern Rivers region boasts a vibrant tapestry of creative and cultural industries that have garnered recognition and accolades throughout New South Wales. However, recent challenges such as the ongoing impact of Covid-19, devastating floods in 2022, and record inflation rates have unleashed unprecedented disruption. Consequently, numerous venues, spaces, opportunities, and cultural capital have been lost.
Rebuilding is now our priority, prompting us to reflect upon our identity as a community. Who do we become in the face of adversity? What shape do the arts and cultural industries take in the Northern Rivers? Who are the individuals and organisations that compose this dynamic sector, and how are they perceived and valued? To answer these pressing questions and more, Arts Northern Rivers, in collaboration with the esteemed research agency Patternmakers and with the support of Create NSW, is embarking on a comprehensive research project.
The primary aim of this project is to gain a deep understanding of the Northern Rivers’ arts and cultural landscape. By engaging with independent practitioners, organisations, audiences, and communities, we seek to capture their needs, aspirations, and perspectives. This research endeavour will provide valuable insights that can inform strategic planning and shape the future of our region’s arts and cultural sector.
Our research approach will be thorough and multifaceted. Through a combination of surveys, interviews, focus groups, and data analysis, we will gather quantitative and qualitative information. We will explore the experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by individual artists, collectives, cultural organisations, and the wider community. By delving into these rich narratives, we can identify patterns, trends, and emergent themes that will serve as a foundation for informed decision-making.
The findings of this research project will contribute significantly to our understanding of the Northern Rivers’ arts and cultural industries. They will shed light on the current state of the sector, reveal its inherent strengths, and expose areas for improvement and growth. Armed with this knowledge, stakeholders, policymakers, and cultural leaders will have the necessary tools to shape inclusive and sustainable strategies for the future. Furthermore, the outcomes will support the development of targeted initiatives, funding programs, and collaborative projects that address the diverse needs of our creative community.
Arts Northern Rivers invites all individuals and organisations involved in the arts and cultural industries of the Northern Rivers to participate in this vital research project. Your insights and perspectives will help us collectively navigate the challenges, seize the opportunities, and cultivate a thriving and resilient creative ecosystem. Together, we can build a stronger future for the Northern Rivers’ arts and cultural sectors.
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Contact Jen Boelen, Administration Support Coordinator, with questions.
This project is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, with financial and in-kind support from Arts Northern Rivers and Patternmakers.
