MAKE/SPACE: Creative Hub Activations
Make/Space is a flagship initiative of Arts Mid North Coast designed to increase access to affordable, fit-for-purpose creative spaces for artists, creative workers, and communities across the region. The program supports both temporary and permanent uses of underutilised spaces, embedding creativity into main streets, public spaces, and civic infrastructure.
We work in partnership with local Councils, developers, Aboriginal organisations, State Government, and the private sector to identify and activate spaces for cultural use. These may include galleries, performance venues, studios, creative retail, co-working spaces, offices, residencies, exhibitions, public art, and live events.
Make/Space is delivered across three key streams:
1. Retail & Main Street Activations
Creative use of vacant commercial properties for short-term cultural projects such as exhibitions, pop-ups, and public-facing activations that energise local centres and increase arts visibility.
2. Creative Infrastructure
Supporting the long-term development of dedicated creative spaces in collaboration with councils, Aboriginal organisations, and other regional partners.
Key Project: Bellingen Arts Precinct
AMNC is supporting Bellingen Shire Council and Yurrungga Aboriginal Corporation in the development of a new arts and cultural precinct. This includes potential repurposing of three NSW Government-owned buildings—the Old Courthouse, Ambulance Station, and Police Station—and creation of a new outdoor civic space for community events and performances. AMNC is assisting with funding applications, advocacy, and program design to activate the precinct.
3. Public Realm & Placemaking
Enabling creative interventions in public spaces through murals, civic installations, co-designed projects, and temporary or permanent public art that enhances local identity and encourages community participation.
Image: The Deeper You Go, the Weirder it Gets, pop-up exhibition by Chris Proctor and Brad Collins at Port Central. Photo by Brad Collins.