Our Services

We engage deeply with Northern Rivers Independent creatives, small-to-medium arts/culture organisations, our communities, arts and non-arts industry partners and government to inform our direction and priorities. Priorities identified through our ongoing sector consultation guide our work. Arts Northern Rivers sources and consolidates information, shares the latest sector happenings and highlights targeted industry opportunities.

We identify matters affecting the sector based on evidence collected through research and evaluation, which enable the foundations for strong relationships with all levels of government, developing partnerships with allied organisations and peak bodies and implementing a strategic communications framework that supports advocacy.

We offer diverse and accessible professional development opportunities for artists, arts workers, creative businesses and small-medium arts organisations. Direct support, mentorships, workshops, and discussions are facilitated online across the region. Check out Practice 101 series or join our mailing list for upcoming opportunities.

Partnerships are crucial to our shared commitment to the public value and impact of arts and culture in our region. We welcome the opportunity to develop strategic partnerships that extend the impact and reach of our programs. Our partnerships are across government, individuals and foundations, to maximise the benefits that arts and cultural participation offers our communities. We are open to new investment models and partnerships with commercial outcomes where artists, arts organisations and audiences are the beneficiaries. Through these diverse and dynamic collaborations, we strive to foster a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape that enriches the lives of all community members.

Direct support is available for independents and self-managed artists, from emerging to established. We provide professional over the phone or in-person support as a part of our core services to the arts sector in the region. The breadth of experience and knowledge within the team can assist with a range of requests from funding opportunities, professional and project development to peer-to-peer connections.

Gatherings bring together independent artists, arts organisations and arts workers of the creative industries of the Northern Rivers to connect. We hosts multiple events annually across our region, providing a platform for the Northern Rivers arts community to gather, engage in critical discourse, and share/observe local ideas-in-progress. Each gathering features artists to showcase their practice and interdisciplinary networking.

Arts Northern Rivers can supply a letter of support if we see merit in your proposed project or program of activity that you are undertaking. We require 2 weeks notice and a draft sample letter with details and the amount of funding you are applying for, key points regarding your project, budget, capacity, how it will benefit you and or the community and a short artist bio. If the funding requested exceeds $20,000 there will need to be a discussion with the Arts Northern Rivers team regarding the project and application at least 3 weeks before the grant deadline.

Auspicing is when an incorporated association such as Arts Northern Rivers applies for and receives funding on behalf of an unincorporated individual, group or organisation, and is responsible for ensuring that the project or activity for which the funds have been granted is completed, acquitted, and the funds accounted for. We offer auspicing services for individuals and small groups to support their capacity to access more grant opportunities both within the arts sector and further aligned sectors. This is an important service that the organisation offers to the region.