Landmark regional creative report – Who We Are

A NEW report from Arts Northern Rivers has revealed the most comprehensive snapshot of the region’s creative sector in more than 15 years, calling for urgent investment and support.

The Who We Are report, released yesterday, presents 12 key findings from the first major mapping of the Northern Rivers’ creative economy since 2009. It highlights the sector’s growth, resilience and the challenges it faces, including housing insecurity, limited funding and a lack of infrastructure.

With the largest cultural workforce in Australia outside a capital city, the region’s creative sector generated $900 million in 2021. It outpaced both manufacturing and healthcare in growth. From 2016 to 2021, the sector grew by 27 per cent, with its workforce expanding four times faster than the national average.

Arts Northern Rivers executive director Jane Fuller said the findings show the need for immediate action.

“It’s calling for strategic investment, innovative funding models, and greater support for First Nations artists as critical priorities,” Fuller said.

The region has a highly engaged audience and strong demand. Cultural tourism is a key strength, with potential for revival and future growth.

The study involved 678 stakeholders, including 476 artists. With the ongoing housing shortages, economic uncertainty, and infrastructure gap challenges, the study highlighted new funding models, policy reforms, and cross-sector collaboration as essential.

Natural disasters and the pandemic have impacted stability, and disadvantage is common with fewer paid employment opportunities in the sector.

First Nations creatives have faced the most significant disruptions but remain poised for growth and expansion.

“To future-proof our creative sector, we must prioritise investment in affordable creative spaces, Blak-owned cultural hubs, and mid-sized performance venues,” Fuller said.

“Innovative funding models, such as an Artist Living Wage, and stronger cross-sector partnerships will drive employment and ensure fair pay and greater support.”

Holly Ahern is a practising interdisciplinary artist and arts worker at Elevator ARI (Artist Run Initiative) and holds an Honours degree in Art and Design from Southern Cross University, a degree controversially terminated by the university last year.

Speaking from Ahern’s studio, Arts Northern Rivers operations manager and Who We Are project lead Jen Boelen said travelling across the region to hear the lived experiences of people at the coalface of the creative sector had been invaluable.

“Independent artists, like Holly, who also runs Lismore’s Back Alley Gallery, often face barriers – lack of reliable funding, shortage of space and limited employment – hindering their ability to grow and work sustainably,” Boelen said.

“This research provides a vital platform to champion the essential role of regional arts and spark important conversations to get behind our local arts communities – attending cultural events, buying work from local artists, and advocating for increased investment in cultural infrastructure.”

For more information and to read the full report, visit artsnorthernrivers.com.au/whoweare