Who We Are

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;
• 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
• 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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What next?

We are excited to share the findings of Who We Are, and invite you to join the conversation in the following ways:

• Launch event during Clarence Valley’s Plunge Arts + Culture Festival
  10 April, 10.30am - 12pm at Grafton Regional Gallery
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• Presence at Northern Rivers Zine Fair
  12 April, 12.30 - 2.30pm at Kyogle Memorial (KMI) Hall
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• Live Webinar
  16 April, 11.30am - 12.30pm
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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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Have questions?

For more information about this project or to request a presentation of Who We Are, please contact info@artsnorthernrivers.com.au