Who We Are: Creative Profiles Now Live for Each LGA
Arts Northern Rivers is proud to announce the release a brand new series of comprehensive Local Government Area (LGA)-specific creative profiles, shining a spotlight on the creative identity of communities across the Northern Rivers.
Covering all seven of our region’s LGAs, these profiles are a follow-up to our hugely impactful creative industry report, Who We Are. They offer local-level insights into each LGA’s creative workforce, types of practice, participation trends, and key challenges and opportunities.
Created in partnership with Patternmakers, the profiles draw from detailed survey findings, ABS statistics and community input to zoom in on the distinct characteristics, challenges, and opportunities of creative communities in each LGA.
Each LGA Tells a Unique Story
Highlights include:
- Ballina Shire combines a stunning coastal setting with a vibrant visual arts scene anchored by the Northern Rivers Community Gallery and Ignite Studios. The creative workforce makes up 4.1% of local employment, with artists working across music, theatre, and design, and a strong focus on connecting arts and tourism. The community is prioritising audience growth and greater access to creative spaces.
- Byron Shire stands out with the highest proportion of creative employment (9.6%) in the region — greater than construction and retail. Local creatives are calling for new signature venues, such as a regional gallery and performing arts centre.
- Clarence Valley shows a strong cohort of emerging artists and high participation in visual arts and crafts. While cultural infrastructure is growing, geographic isolation remains a barrier, with calls for more inclusive, accessible programming across the region.
- Kyogle Shire is home to more established artists than the regional average, many of whom are focused on environmental and socially engaged practice. Challenges include limited awareness of events and lack of access to spaces — but there’s strong momentum toward building a more connected, visible creative community.
- Lismore City Council, long known for its diversity and progressive values, continues to show remarkable creative resilience. Artists are highly engaged across visual arts and music, with strong intersections in First Nations culture, technology, and social justice. The community is focused on rebuilding and reinvigorating its creative spaces.
- Richmond Valley is rich in untapped creative potential and the strength of its First Nations culture. While few residents currently identify creative work as their main source of income, this highlights a strong opportunity to grow career pathways and expand public engagement. There’s also a clear local appetite to activate halls, foster community events, and increase visibility for local creatives.
- Tweed Shire blends rich Aboriginal culture with a diverse creative landscape, from major institutions like the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre to a thriving grassroots arts scene. Creative industries employ 4.4% of the local workforce, with artists active across visual arts, music, festivals, and design. Priorities include new affordable spaces, cross-border connections, and audience development.
Whether you're a local government representative, policymaker, creative practitioner, or supporter of the arts, these snapshots offer valuable context to better understand, celebrate, and support creativity in your community.
Explore Your LGA
For enquiries, contact info@artsnorthernrivers.com.au
