The Hidden Power of the Arts: Why NSW Can't Afford to Slash Funding for Regional & Remote Communities
Imagine a world without art. No vibrant local galleries, no performances to bring a community together, no social media feeds filled with local talent, and no creative outlets to express the unique stories of our communities. It's hard to picture, isn't it? But for many in regional and remote New South Wales (NSW), this could become a reality if arts funding continues to be slashed. And the ripple effect? It’s much bigger than just losing a few local art shows – it would severely impact the economy, employment, and the heart of these communities.
The Arts Are More Than Just Entertainment – They're the Backbone of Our Economy
The arts are often seen as a "nice to have," something extra to enjoy in our downtime. But for regional and remote NSW, the arts are a critical sector that drives local economies and supports thousands of jobs. Here’s the reality: the arts contribute $10 billion annually to regional communities across Australia. And the impact isn’t just about big-city theatre productions – it’s about local art exhibitions, music festivals, craft markets, and creative tourism that put towns on the map and fuel local businesses.
In fact, the arts and cultural industries in NSW support over 282,000 jobs, with countless small businesses thriving because of local creative initiatives. From event organisers, technicians, and artists, to hospitality staff, marketers, and tourism operators, the economic web weaves far beyond the artist themselves. The recent decline in government support for this sector is leaving many of these jobs hanging by a thread, and the economic benefits to small, regional towns are at risk.
What Would We Be Missing? The Vital Contribution of Arts to Everyday Life
Think about the world we live in today. How much of it would be missing if there were no art? Without art, we wouldn't have the images, sounds, and stories that fill our lives with meaning. No paintings to decorate our walls, no music to soundtrack our lives, no unique handmade crafts on display in local galleries. We’d lose the power of storytelling – and in regional and remote areas, storytelling isn’t just an art form; it's how communities stay connected and keep culture alive.
The arts are an essential bridge between past and future generations. It’s where local traditions meet modern expression, where we share the stories that form the foundation of who we are. Without this, we would lose not just our heritage but the creativity that drives innovation and inspires change. This loss is not just cultural; it’s economic.
The Ripple Effect: Jobs, Community, and Tourism
Regional arts festivals and performances attract thousands of visitors, generating millions of dollars for local economies. For example, the Seasons of New England expo in Uralla (NSW) generated $1.4 million in revenue each year before COVID-19. Local businesses – from accommodation providers to restaurants – rely on these events for income. If funding for these cultural initiatives continues to diminish, we risk losing the lifeblood of these local economies.
The arts also create jobs that many people don’t even think about. Consider the behind-the-scenes roles – event coordinators, tech crews, marketers, and hospitality workers – all of whom benefit from a thriving arts scene. The people working in these roles depend on the arts as much as the artists themselves. If regional arts programs lose funding, it’s not just the artists who suffer; it’s the entire ecosystem of workers who rely on the sector to put food on their table.
Cultural Tourism: A Lifeline for Rural Communities
Tourism is another key area where the arts make a huge impact. The tourism sector in regional NSW has experienced significant growth, with 45% of international visitors seeking out Aboriginal cultural experiences. From gallery tours to local performances, cultural tourism is worth millions to regional communities. This is no small feat. The Regional Arts Fund has been critical in supporting this growth, with programs like the Cultural Tourism Accelerator Program, which is injecting millions into regional areas to promote arts-driven tourism.
But what happens when the funding dries up? Simple: the tourism draw that many regional areas rely on starts to vanish. Local artists, performers, and craftspeople are often the face of these tourism experiences, and without their work, regional tourism suffers. If arts funding continues to shrink, so will the regional towns that have come to rely on the economic influx provided by tourists seeking unique, authentic cultural experiences.
A Call to Action: Why We Must Stand Up for the Arts
The recent cuts to arts funding by the NSW government threaten not only the cultural vibrancy of our regional communities but also the very economic foundation they stand on. The arts sector isn't a luxury – it’s a necessity. It's an engine for local economies, a source of employment, and a reflection of our cultural identity. If the government continues to slash funding, we risk losing everything that the arts have given us – the jobs, the stories, the tourism, and the connection that binds us.
So, what can we do? First, we need to acknowledge the invaluable role of the arts in our communities. We need to share the stories of how the arts impact our everyday lives, from creating jobs to preserving culture. We need to amplify the voices of regional artists and advocate for greater support to keep the arts alive and thriving. If we want to keep our communities strong and vibrant, we must ensure the arts remain well-funded, supported, and valued.
Because without art, our communities wouldn’t just be less colourful – they’d be less alive.
Take Action: Support regional arts initiatives. Advocate for increased funding for the arts in regional and remote areas. The arts are an essential part of who we are and how we grow.
