Create NSW’s Heartland Plan: Strengthening Regional Creativity for the Next Decade

The NSW Government has unveiled Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries 2026–2035, a landmark strategy designed to elevate arts, culture and creative industries across regional communities. The plan builds on the state’s existing Creative Communities policy and responds to extensive consultation with artists, organisations and residents throughout regional NSW.

At the heart of the strategy is a vision for a rich, diverse regional cultural landscape, supported by skilled practitioners, sustainable networks and dynamic partnerships. The plan identifies six strategic priorities that aim to unlock the potential of regional arts and culture:

1. Champion regional First Nations arts and culture
2. Strengthen regional partnerships and networks
3. Unlock regional creative spaces
4. Open doors to creative careers
5. Showcase regional storytelling and innovation
6. Amplify statewide arts and cultural tourism

Heartland arrives with new investment to support regional creativity, including funding for touring programs, First Nations-led initiatives, creative spaces, and the Regional Arts Development Organisation network. The NSW Government has committed more than $5 million in new funding, alongside grants such as the Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Program and the Regional NSW Community Bands Program, both now open for applications.

Regional NSW represents nearly 40% of the state’s population, making arts and culture a significant contributor to local identity and regional economies. Stakeholders across the state have highlighted the role of creativity in community connection, youth engagement and resilience during times of crisis, insights that directly shaped the plan’s long‑term framework.

By taking a whole‑of‑government approach and activating partnerships with local government, education providers and cultural organisations, Heartland aims to build a stronger, more connected creative ecosystem across the state. Over the next decade, the plan is set to expand opportunities for artists, stimulate cultural tourism and ensure that regional stories continue to be celebrated both locally and statewide.