From the Highlands to the Plains: Arts North West Opens New Tamworth Office and Digital Home

Arts North West (ANW) is celebrating a significant milestone with the official opening of its new Tamworth office and the launch of a redesigned website on Thursday, 30 July 2026—creating both a new physical and digital gateway for artists, creatives and communities across the New England North West.

The expansion establishes Arts North West's second office, complementing its long-standing headquarters in Glen Innes and strengthening the organisation's presence across the region. Together with the launch of a contemporary, user-friendly website, the milestone provides artists with more accessible ways to connect with services, opportunities, programs and support.

The new Tamworth office has been established to better serve artists, organisations and communities across the western and southern parts of their service area.  As the Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) for New England North West, Arts North West works across Armidale Regional, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth Regional, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha, supporting artists, developing creative industries, delivering professional development, coordinating creative and cultural programs and strengthening vibrant regional communities through the arts.

The additional office will improve accessibility for artists by providing a local space for one-on-one meetings, project development and community engagement. It will also reduce travel requirements for staff, making it easier to support artists throughout the region while improving the organisation's operational efficiency.

Arts North West Executive Director Lauren Mackley said the expansion reflects the organisation's commitment to ensuring every community across the region has access to high-quality arts services.

"The opening of our Tamworth office is an exciting step forward for Arts North West and the creative communities we support. Having a permanent presence in both the Highlands and the Plains means we can work more closely with artists, councils and communities, building stronger relationships and making our services more accessible than ever before."

"Launching our new website on the same day symbolises exactly who we are—creating opportunities to connect, whether that is through our physical spaces or online. Together, these two initiatives make it easier for creatives across the region to engage with Arts North West and access the support they need."

Tamworth Regional Council Executive Manager Creative Communities and Experiences Peter Ross welcomed the expansion, noting it reflects a long-standing partnership between Council and Arts North West.

"Tamworth has long been a gathering place for regional arts activity, hosting workshops, professional development, exhibitions and major cultural events. Establishing an Arts North West office here strengthens that role while making it easier for artists and communities to connect with the organisation."

"This has been a vision shared between Council and Arts North West for many years, and we're delighted to see it come to life. The office will strengthen creative collaboration across the region and further position Tamworth as a regional arts and cultural hub."

To celebrate the occasion, Arts North West will host a Community Open Day from 1.00 pm on Thursday, 30 July 2026, inviting artists, community members, partners and supporters to explore the new office, meet the Arts North West team, experience the new website and learn more about upcoming programs and opportunities.

The new office is located at:

214 Peel Street, Tamworth (behind the Powerstation Museum/Community Centre on Darling Street)

The event is free to attend, and everyone with an interest in arts, culture and creativity is warmly invited to join the celebrations.

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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