Looking back on 2024, it’s been a milestone year for Arts Mid North Coast, packed with meaningful initiatives, partnerships, and programs that have boosted our region’s creative sector.
Throughout the year, our region was abuzz with arts and cultural events, with over 550 listings on our website celebrating the diversity of talent and activity on the Mid North Coast. Early in the year, we launched our Creative Futures Strategic Mapping project, engaging over 350 artists to assess regional needs and opportunities. This invaluable research has helped shape our new strategic plan, set for release in the new year.
Our professional development programs thrived, with 12 workshops benefiting over 300 artists, alongside two networking events that strengthened community connections. Through our Country Arts Support Program, we funded 12 outstanding projects by local artists and community groups, and we produced three new Art Files videos showcasing the artists involved in these projects.
We celebrated the second instalment of our Mini Digital Concerts series, which will feature nine talented MNC musicians and a stellar local crew (keep a look out for the videos next year!) and our Ready Set Go program marked its fifth year providing music industry mentorship to 20 young musicians. We also supported five young emerging artists to participate in the Horizons Creative Industries Launchpad, a state-wide initiative by the Regional Arts Network that helps young creatives launch their careers.
This year we had the privilege of hosting a visit to Coffs Harbour by the NSW Minister for the Arts, the Hon, John Graham. We also partnered with Regional Arts NSW to support two local artists to exhibit at the Australian Design Centre, and with Social Impact in the Regions Conference to showcase two Kempsey artists. In addition, we supported the tour of Arka Kinari to Bellingen straight from the Sydney Festival, bringing this stunning performance to our local community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Council partners and Create NSW for their continued support, which has been essential in growing and sustaining a vibrant creative sector on the Mid North Coast. We also want to thank our incredible artists and the entire creative sector, whose work has truly contributed to the vibrancy of our region.
With an exciting lineup of workshops and programs planned for 2025, we’re looking forward to bringing our strategic vision to life and continuing to foster our thriving arts community on the Mid North Coast. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!
Olivia Parker, Executive Director
Image: Creative Futures Coffs Harbour / photo by Jay Black.