NEW ENGLAND NORTH WEST MUSEUMS NETWORK

Twp people hang a large framed photo on the wall in a museum — The New England North West Museums Network is co-ordinated by Arts North West and provides professional advice and skills development for museums in the region

Arts North West can support your museum to:

Compile feedback and case studies
Build volunteer networks
Increase visitor numbers and engagement
Enhance curation and collections
Ensure compliance in governance and record keeping

This network covers one of the largest regions in New South Wales made up by the following council areas: Armidale Regional, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah Shire, Gwydir Shire, Liverpool Plains Shire, Moree Plains Shire, Narrabri Shire, Tamworth Regional, Tenterfield Shire, Uralla Shire and Walcha Council.

If your museum is not already part of this network or you would like to find out more please contact Arts North West via office@artsnw.com.au or phone (02) 6732 4988

Heritage Week 2026

Arts North West is proud to present Heritage Week 2026—a vibrant, region-wide celebration of the stories, places, and people that define the New England North West.

Running from 18 April to 18 May 2026, Heritage Week is now underway, offering a diverse program of events that open doors, share knowledge, and connect communities through meaningful cultural and heritage experiences.

2026 Theme: Change
The 2026 theme, Change, invites us to reflect on how our communities, landscapes, and stories have evolved over time—and how they continue to shape our future.

From environmental shifts and technological advancements to social movements and cultural transformations, change is at the heart of every heritage story. This year’s program explores both continuity and transformation: what has been preserved, what has been lost, and what is still emerging.

Heritage Week is more than a program—it’s a celebration of community. It brings together organisations and audiences from across the region to share stories, preserve knowledge, and foster a deeper appreciation of our collective past.

Across the region, participating organisations are engaging with the theme in creative and thought-provoking ways, including:

Exploring how places and communities have transformed over time
Sharing stories of resilience, adaptation, and innovation
Highlighting changing cultural practices and traditions
Reflecting on the impact of historical events on today’s society
Showcasing future-focused perspectives on heritage

Explore the Program
The official NENW Museums & Heritage Program 2026 features a wide range of events for all audiences, including:

Exhibitions and open days
Guided tours and heritage walks
Activities and demonstrations
Cultural and community events

Promotion & Access
The program is being widely shared to ensure strong community engagement and accessibility. It is:

Distributed through the Arts North West NENW Museums & Heritage contact and Libraries list.
Promoted across Arts North West social media channels
Featured in the Arts North West newsletter mail-out
Available in local libraries across the region, with printed copies for community access

We encourage everyone to explore the program, attend events, and be part of Heritage Week 2026.

2026 Heritage Week Program

resources for museums

The National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries is focused on key areas of activity common to organisations that care for collections and provide collection, exhibition and program-based services to the community. The National Standards aim to support Australian museums, galleries and collecting organisations to achieve their objectives, from high-level policy, planning and stakeholder liaison, to practical everyday activities.

REGIONAL RESOURCES FROM THE POWERHOUSE

The Powerhouse has a range of resources developed specifically for regional galleries and museums. follow the links below for some resources that can assist.

Conservation Resources is a collection of information sheets to assist with all matters of conservation

Education is a collection of digital and video conference programs that provide educational opportunities for Primary and Secondary students in regional communities

Regional Museum and Gallery Information Sheets including :

Designing an Exhibition
Labelling Your Display or Exhibition
Programming for Your Museum or Gallery

Regional Webinar Series is a collection of webinars that were designed for staff and volunteers of smaller museums and the collecting sector. A 30-minute presentation with slides is followed by a 15-minute Q+A session. The webinars are free to view.

2023

Digitising Your Collection
Programming Public Events

2022

Curating a Fashion Exhibition
Making Invisible Mannequins
Artist in Conversation: Nicole Barakat
Museum Audio Visual Displays
Curating Large Objects
Copyright in Museums
Artist in Conversation: Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran
Handling, Housing and Moving Objects
Artist in Conversation: Anna May Kirk
Artist in Conversation: Ebony Russell
Designing and Installing Displays