Arts North West announces 2026 CASP recipients

Arts North West is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Country Arts Support Program (CASP), with seven projects receiving support to create new work, employ regional artists and increase cultural participation across the New England North West.

The successful projects span literature, visual arts, digital media, music, heritage and creative industry development. Together, they demonstrate the strength and diversity of creative practice across the region, with activities planned for Armidale, Bingara, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Bendemeer, Tamworth and Tenterfield, alongside opportunities accessible across the wider region.

2026 CASP recipients:

New England Writers’ Centre — NEWC Program for 2027
Armidale Regional | $2,500

The New England Writers’ Centre will present four accessible literary events supporting writers, illustrators and readers across the region. The program will include author talks, a celebration of romance writing and an online Pitch to a Publisher opportunity. Delivered in collaboration with the Central Northern Regional Library network and other local partners, the program will connect regional creatives with professional development and publishing pathways.

New England Bach Festival — Bach Abroad: A New England Tour
Armidale Regional, Glen Innes Severn and Gwydir | $3,000

The New England Bach Festival will present four professional chamber music concerts in Glen Innes, Armidale and Bingara during March 2027. Featuring regional musicians Sarah Sadgrove, Robert Manley and Sheila Guymer, the tour will combine live performances with accessible introductions to the music and composers. The project will create paid professional work for three regional musicians while increasing access to chamber music across three local government areas. Concession and student ticket prices, along with free or further subsidised places for young people, will help make the performances accessible to new and existing audiences.

School of Arts Tenterfield Inc — Museum After Hours: History, Heritage, Culture and Conversations
Tenterfield | $3,000

The Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts Museum will host a pilot series of three after-hours public events featuring historians, authors, cultural researchers and commentators. Through presentations and in-conversation events, the program will bring new ideas and perspectives to Tenterfield while encouraging audiences to experience the museum as a dynamic place for learning, discussion and community connection.

Tamworth Art Academy — Hellsworth
Tamworth Regional | $2,500

Tamworth Art Academy’s Big Sky Studio will develop a playable demonstration of Hellsworth, a locally inspired video game reflecting the experiences of a creative young person growing up in the region. Artists Daniel Elliott and Logan Hughes will work with coder Julian Mann and young artists from Tamworth Art Academy to create the game. The completed demonstration will be presented publicly through an arcade-style experience in Tamworth’s Fitzroy Street precinct.

Joanne Stead — Flock Together: Bird Lovers’ Artist Exchange
Gunnedah, Bendemeer and online | $3,000

Flock Together will connect regional artists with birdwatchers, Landcare groups and environmental practitioners through workshops in Gunnedah and Bendemeer. Led by artists Joanne Stead and Maree Kelly, the project will combine local birdwatching and environmental learning with artistic exchange, networking and the development of new creative ideas. An ongoing online network will help participants maintain connections and explore future collaborations and exhibition opportunities.

Buddy Knox — The Buddy Knox Talent Quest
Tamworth Regional | $3,000

The Buddy Knox Talent Quest will provide a culturally safe and professionally supported performance opportunity for emerging Aboriginal musicians during the 2027 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Participants will perform with a professional house band and receive feedback from music industry judges, with prizes including mentoring and further performance opportunities. Building on the success of the inaugural 2026 event, the project creates genuine pathways for young Aboriginal performers to develop their skills, confidence and industry connections.

Glen Innes Severn Council — Creative After Dark: Artists in Action
Glen Innes Severn | $1,000

Creative After Dark will bring local artists, businesses and the wider community together at the Glen Innes Highlands Hub. Four local artists, makers or creative practitioners will be paid to deliver demonstrations, displays or participatory creative activities. The event will showcase the region’s creative talent while encouraging new collaborations, commissions, workshops and partnerships between artists and local businesses.

The 2026 recipients reflect the important role small, targeted grants play in regional communities. CASP funding enables artists and organisations to test new ideas, employ creative practitioners, strengthen professional networks and deliver meaningful cultural experiences close to home.

Arts North West congratulates all seven recipients and looks forward to seeing these projects take shape across the region during 2026 and 2027.

The Country Arts Support Program is funded by the NSW Government through Create NSW and delivered locally by Arts North West.

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Media contact: Lauren Mackley, Executive Director, Arts North West Phone: 02 6732 4988 Email: office@artsnw.com.au artsnw.com.au | fb.com/artsnw | @artsnorthwest

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