RALLY: Rural Arts-led Regeneration
RALLY is a collaborative initiative by Regional Arts NSW (RANSW) and Alex Wisser (co-founder of Cementa Festival), designed to fuel Rural Arts-Led Regeneration by championing creativity, collaboration, and community leadership.
The arts play a crucial role in enlivening communities. This is especially true in rural towns, where artists are embedded into the fabric of the place they live so deeply. RALLY aims to support and nurture this work, helping artists and arts-organisations to regenerate their communities through their practice.
RALLY will include the following programs:
Rural Centres: Direct, in-person workshops will be delivered to five selected towns (Broken Hill, Deniliquin, Ganmain, Harden, and Manilla), providing targeted support for their regeneration initiatives.
Rural Innovators: Artists across the state are invited to participate in this program, giving them access to professional development and connection with peers who are leading regeneration efforts in rural communities.
Rural Design Club: Regional graphic designer Rach Viski and architecture consultant Tony McBurney will offer expertise in digital and urban design, showing how creative design can drive rural regeneration.
RALLY will culminate in a two-day state-wide development workshop in Kandos, NSW for all partners and participants, featuring workshops, panel discussions, and opportunities for collaborative planning.
By supporting five rural locations and connecting them with a state-wide network, RALLY seeks to spark innovation and resilience through art and design. Our goal is to nurture sustainable development and vibrant communities across regional NSW. Learn more: regionalartsnsw.com.au/rally
RALLY SUPPORTERS
RALLY was produced by Regional Arts NSW and Alex Wisser (co-founder of Cementa Festival, Kandos).
RALLY is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW (Cultural Access – Priority Area Projects for Individuals and Organisations, 24/25 grant round).
RALLY is also supported by the Regional Arts Fund: Strategic Project Grants, an Australian Government program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia. The Regional Arts Fund is managed by Regional Arts Australia on behalf of the Australian Government.
Image credits: Regional Arts NSW
RALLY by Regional Arts NSW is Coming to Manilla
Arts North West is excited to share that RALLY (Rural Arts-Led Regeneration) is coming to Manilla this June, bringing together community members, artists, organisations, business owners, local leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of regional communities.
Facilitated by Regional Arts NSW CEO Dr Tracey Callinan OAM and Cementa Festival co-founder Alex Wisser, this dynamic workshop will explore how creativity, culture, and community leadership can drive positive change in regional towns.
RALLY is a practical and inspiring conversation about the role arts and culture can play in strengthening local economies, fostering community wellbeing, increasing social connection, attracting visitors, supporting local identity, and creating vibrant places to live and work.
Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas, identify local strengths, discuss challenges and opportunities, and explore real-world examples of arts-led regeneration from regional communities across Australia. The workshop will encourage collaborative thinking about what is possible for Manilla and loactions in the NENW and how local people can shape a thriving and sustainable future for their town.
Whether you are an artist, community volunteer, business owner, educator, councillor, cultural worker, or simply someone who cares about the future of regional NSW, this workshop offers an opportunity to connect with others, contribute your ideas, and be part of an important conversation about the role creativity can play in building stronger regional communities.
📅 Friday 26 June 2026
🕘 9.00am – 3.00pm
📍 Small Town Hall, Manilla
RSVP is essential
To register your attendance, please contact Emma Stilts at:
For more information about the RALLY program, visit:
https://regionalartsnsw.com.au/rally/
We encourage everyone with an interest in the future of Manilla and regional NSW to attend this important community workshop.