Arts North West opens new Tamworth office and launches new website

Arts North West has officially opened its new Tamworth office and launched a completely redesigned website, marking a significant milestone in almost 30 years of supporting arts and culture across the New England North West. The new Tamworth office complements the organisation's long-standing Glen Innes headquarters, expanding its regional presence and strengthening support for communities across its eleven local government areas.

Arts North West celebrated the milestone with a well-attended launch at its new office in the annexe behind the Tamworth Community Centre and Powerstation Museum at 214 Peel Street, Tamworth. The event welcomed board members, local councillors, artists, creatives and representatives from community organisations across the eleven local government areas the organisation serves.

Aunty Audrey Trindall officially opened proceedings with a Welcome to Country in Gamilaraay, followed by a moving reflection on Arts North West's longstanding commitment to supporting Aboriginal artists, strengthening connections to culture and creating meaningful creative opportunities throughout the region

Executive Director Lauren Mackley said the new office was about more than bricks and mortar.

"This office is not simply a workplace," Ms Mackley said. "It is a place where ideas will grow, partnerships will form, artists will gather, and communities will connect."

Vice Chair Peter Ross, who is also Executive Manager of Creative Communities and Experiences at Tamworth Regional Council, said a central base would help Arts North West reach communities right across the region.

"It's great for the whole ecosystem of the creative arts, not only here in town within our LGA, but right across the New England North West,"  Mr Ross said.

Mr Ross described the connection between neighbouring communities as "borderless arts", and reflected on why people have always needed to gather and create together, from the Spanish flu through to COVID-19 and beyond.

The Hon. Anthony D'Adam MLC, Duty Member of the Legislative Council for the Tamworth Electorate, also addressed guests and spoke about the importance of creative industries in our changing world, the impact arts has on the region and Arts North West's work.

The event also marked the launch of the organisation's redesigned website, which Ms Mackley described as "a digital front door for the New England North West." The site includes an event calendar, funding and artist opportunities, an artist directory, a public art trail and workshop listings.

Ms Mackley thanked the dedicated Arts North West team, including Administration Officer Leah Fontyn, Arts North West On Tour Coordinator Hester Fraser, Aboriginal Arts Officer Robbie Hartigan and newly appointed Engagement Officer Dzintra Menesis as well as the Board of Directors, Create NSW and the 11 local councils across the New England North West whose annual contributions, alongside NSW Government funding, make Arts North West's work across the region possible

She also acknowledged the ongoing support of the Arts North West Board of Directors, Create NSW and the eleven local councils across the New England North West, whose annual financial contributions, alongside NSW Government funding, make it possible for Arts North West to champion creativity, strengthen communities and deliver programs across the region.

Today marks not only the opening of a new office and website, but the beginning of many new conversations, partnerships and creative opportunities across the New England North West," Ms Mackley said.

Guests were invited to round out the afternoon with a guided tour of the Tamworth Regional Gallery.

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