PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Arts North West provides professional development workshops as well as individual advice to arts workers, creatives, councils, businesses and arts and cultural organisations in our region. We can:

Review funding applications
Suggest funding sources and opportunities
Auspice grants
Provide tips on project management, planning, budgets, partners
Assist with logistics planning – insurance, branding, business plans
Advise on promotion and marketing
Art handling and installation

For more information contact our Executive Director.

‼️ FREE WORKSHOP FOR REGIONAL DESIGNERS // Staying relevant in regional markets

Designers in regional NSW are now invited to apply to participate in a free workshop, presented by Design Business Council on the topic of AI, design democratisation and changing client expectations.

💼 Staying relevant in regional markets

📅 16 March 2026

📍 Wagga Wagga NSW

This is a free workshop, but places are very limited, so we are taking expressions of interest.

➡ EOIs due: 30 November 2025

🔗 VISIT: https://regionalartsnsw.com.au/rally/design-workshop/

This workshop is funded by our program RALLY: Rural Arts Led Regeneration project. RALLY is supported by Create NSW's Cultural Access Grants and the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund: Strategic Project Grants.

Tour Lab - Arts on Tour

Want to learn more about touring? Arts on Tour presents TOUR LAB, a jam-packed full-day workshop introducing the essentials to getting your show out there.

Tour Lab provides practical advice, information and resources, as well as networking opportunities for independent artists, producers, and companies who are new to touring.

The program includes experienced touring artists, venue managers and some of Sydney’s best producers, covering a range of topics including identifying opportunities for your show, budgeting, selling your show to presenters, and touring logistics.

Held on Thursday 6 November at East Sydney Community & Arts Centre (ESCAC) in Darlinghurst. Learn more: https://artsontour.com.au/initiatives/tour-lab/

⭐ JUST ANNOUNCED: 2-part mini series - Nurturing the Fan

Don't miss this Sound Advice mini series designed to inspire and equip artists to build and nourish their relationship with fans in a way that feels rewarding and sustainable.

Join online on 11 November for a masterclass in the skills, tools and knowledge you need to build and nurture your own online community with artist manager & marketing strategist Isaac Lewis (Rum Jungle, The Rubens, Joel Sunny) and Social Media & Community Manager, Oscar Manning (Joel Sunny).

On 12 November, independent artists Olive Rush (EGOISM), Zoe Catterall (The Buoys) & Benny McIntyre (Rum Jungle), hosted by Ruu., will dive into the value of the fan-artist relationship, how they’ve been able to develop and foster online micro-communities authentically, and how nurturing your online community can lead to fans showing love in real-life by attending shows, buying merch and more.

👉 Find out more and register: https://www.musicnsw.com/.../sound-advice-nurturing-the-fan/

⭐ PRACTICE IN COMMUNITY - EOI’s ARE NOW OPEN!

Practice in Community is a new initiative designed and delivered by Regional Arts Australia, supported by Minderoo Foundation.

By investing in artists themselves - not just their outcomes - Practice in Community is grounded in the belief that artists are essential to social change and to the thriving of regional communities. It supports the deep, relational work that builds trust, belonging and long-term community impact.

This national program puts creativity at the heart of community life by investing in independent artists working in Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD). It gives regional artists the time, trust, and support to grow their practice, lead meaningful projects, build connections, share knowledge and strengthen a national network of artists driving social impact.

Find out more here >>>

⭐ BEATS 25 – Band Enabling and Training Sound-Lab

BEATS 25 is an exciting opportunity for young and emerging musicians (aged 15–27) from across NSW to develop their skills, build industry knowledge, and connect with like-minded creatives.

Participants will take part in online mentoring, songwriting workshops, and a five-day live-in Sound-Lab intensive at the Deni Ute Muster site, followed by a two-day festival and Battle of the Bands. The winning act will perform on stage at the Muster!

Open to musicians, producers, event managers, and anyone passionate about the live music industry. We encourage applications from First Nations, regional, LGBTIQA+, CALD, and disabled young people.

🗓 Key Dates:

EOIs open 10 September 2025
Online mentoring starts December 2025
Intensive: 23–27 March 2026
Festival: 28–29 March 2026

📧 Apply now via beats@endfm.com.au

⭐ Free Mentoring Sessions for Aboriginal Artists and Arts Workers

Elevate Your Creative Practice with Expert Guidance

Are you an Aboriginal Artist or Arts Worker from Regional NSW looking to elevate your practice? Thanks to the support of Create NSW, Outback Arts and Mara Mara we are excited to offer 20 FREE mentoring sessions with Lorrayne Fishenden, valued at $140 each. This unique opportunity is part of the Dhurrali Project, dedicated to empowering and supporting Aboriginal creatives.

About the Mentoring Sessions

These sessions are designed to provide personalised guidance, deep insights into the arts landscape, and strategic advice to help you grow and succeed in your creative endeavors. Each participant can benefit from up to three sessions, ensuring a tailored and impactful experience.

Meet Your Mentor: Lorrayne Fishenden

Lorrayne Fishenden is a well known leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in community development, Aboriginal arts advocacy, and business management. Lorrayne has been a pivotal advocate for Aboriginal artists and communities across regional NSW. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cultural development make her an inspiring mentor for this program.

What's Included

Each free mentoring session includes:

Personalised guidance and support from Lorrayne Fishenden
Insights into the Aboriginal arts landscape
Strategies for growth and recognition in your field
Expert advice on sustainable business practices

How to Book

Use this link https://LorrayneFishenden2Rivers.as.me/?appointmentType=65864844 to schedule a time. Don’t forget to fill in the quick questionnaire that will help Lorrayne prepare for your meeting. Remember, spots are limited, so don't miss this opportunity to take your art to new heights!

Important Information

Each session is valued at $140
Up to 3 sessions per participant
Limited to 20 sessions total

Join us in this exciting initiative to celebrate Aboriginal voices, cultivate creativity, and build a vibrant community of artists committed to sharing their stories with the world.

Apply now and embark on a transformative creative journey!

⭐ Screen NSW - Charlie’s Working Space, LA!

Screen NSW, in partnership with Australians in Film (AiF), offers NSW screen practitioners the opportunity to secure access to a dedicated co-working space at Charlie's in Los Angeles. The one free creative workspace is available for NSW based screen practitioners visiting LA to conduct business, collaborate, and network.

Successful applicants to Charlie’s will receive access to:

One desk and a writers' room with whiteboards and screens
Wi-Fi
An equipped kitchen
AiF staff.

Charlie’s is located in the Writer’s Building at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood.

⭐ Screen Australia – Industry Partnerships

This program aims to create opportunities through new, original and inclusive approaches to the industry that will expand networks and grow the Australian industry. Screen Australia will consider funding a portion of a total activity budget up to a cap of $30,000 per activity/activities conducted by an organization over the financial year.

⭐ Screen Australia – International Marketing Support: Festivals and Awards

This program aims to support the promotion of Australian content and talent at the key international festivals and awards events, enabling the enhancement of international marketing strategies in conjunction with other partners. Screen Australia will contribute to the promotional budget for eligible events generally up to $20,000 for feature films and television series and $10,000 for short films. The level of funding will be determined by a film’s individual international marketing strategy as evidenced by a comprehensive plan and budget, produced by either the sales agent or producer. Festival screenings must be the title’s world or international premiere.

⭐ Screen Australia – Distribution Support: P&A Plus

This program aims to enhance the distribution and marketing of quality Australian films across traditional and alternative release platforms. Funding can be sought to support the traditional theatrical ANZ release of completed feature films that have an established local distributor attached, or for alternative release campaigns in certain circumstances

⭐ Screen Australia – First Nations Program: Sector Development (Internships)

This program aims to assist the career development of talented screen content makers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. Internships assist practitioners whose careers would benefit from an attachment to a person, production or organisation. This program is designed to assist the career development of talented filmmakers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the film industry. This is not an entry-level scheme. An internship may take many forms and involve features, documentaries, animation, interactive digital media, TV drama or comedy series