What is SmartART?
SmartART seeks to empower the Mid North Coast arts and creative sector to build their capacity and develop sustainable creative careers.
Here you will find tools and resources about developing your creative business as well as professional development and networking opportunities.
Our SmartArt program delivers targeted skills development for artists and creative workers on the Mid North Coast through workshops and events across the region. We also highlight valuable opportunities from partners and networks, connecting local creatives with broader resources and expertise.
Watch some of our video highlights from our past workshops and networking events to get a glimpse of the inspiring sessions, skill-building, and creative connections that bring our arts community together.
Make sure to subscribe to our Artsblast newsletter to keep up to date on our upcoming workshops!
Photos by Jay Black and The Trees Photography
Empowering Artists for the Future: First Nations Professional Development Program
Through a Create NSW Regional Audience Development grant, Arts Mid North Coast (AMNC) partnered with Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance (SWFW) to deliver a pilot First Nations Professional Development Program in Coffs Harbour in March 2025.
Empowering Artists for the Future was designed and led by SWFW to support First Nations artists and cultural practitioners seeking guidance to advance their creative careers. It created a culturally safe and artist-led space that responded to the specific needs and aspirations of regional Aboriginal artists. The 1 day program included:
- Keynote Address – Celebrating Aboriginal Art and Artists: by Pene Riggs, Project Manager, Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance (ARAA)
- Telling Your Story – Creating Artist Bios: - Tori Ann Donnelly, Curator, Wadjar Gallery & Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre
- Understanding Licensing and Copyright: - Jo-Anne Driessens, Artists in the Black Coordinator, and Louise Buckingham, CEO, Arts Law Centre
- Exploring the NAVA Code of Practice: - Georgia Mokak, First Nations Outreach Coordinator, NAVA
The sessions provided practical tools and insights, and served as an important networking platform. Artists were introduced to broader opportunities through connections with ARAA, NAVA, and the Arts Law Centre.
