The Northern Rivers has long been recognised as one of Australia’s most dynamic creative regions, with the highest concentration of cultural workers in Australia outside a major city. Now, a landmark study commissioned by Arts Northern Rivers (ANR) provides a new analysis of the sector’s scale, resilience and future opportunities.
Who We Are – a comprehensive research project conducted by ANR in collaboration with national research agency Patternmakers and supported by Create NSW, represents the first in-depth mapping of the region’s creative sector in over 15 years.
The report provides key insights into the sector’s growth, economic impact, and challenges, and is vital for informing policy, driving investment, empowering the sector and strengthening the creative future of the Northern Rivers region. It underscores the indispensable role of arts and culture in the region’s social, cultural and economic well-being.
The study, supported by bespoke analysis commissioned from the ABS, gathered insights from 678 regional stakeholders, including 480 artists, offering a detailed snapshot of the Northern Rivers creative sector.
Of the respondents, 72% identified primarily as artists or creative practitioners, while 34% work in roles such as marketing, production, or administration within creative businesses or cultural organisations.
The Who We Are report presents 12 key findings about the Northern Rivers’ creative landscape:
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The Northern Rivers has the largest cultural sector in rural Australia.
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Cultural and creative businesses grew 27% from 2016 to 2021, demonstrating strong sectoral expansion.
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The cultural and creative workforce expanded four times faster than the national average from 2011 to 2020.
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The sector generated an estimated $900 million in business turnover in 2021
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Natural disasters since 2019 (bushfires, flood and storms, and the pandemic) have significantly impacted stability.
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Artists play a key role in community recovery and resilience and want their contribution to be valued.
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Economic challenges and a severe housing crisis continue to limit creative spaces and employment opportunities.
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First Nations creatives have faced some of the most significant disruptions but remain poised for growth and expansion.
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Disadvantage is common, with fewer paid employment opportunities in the sector.
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The region has a highly engaged audience, with strong demand for more cultural experiences.
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Cultural tourism remains a key strength, with potential for revival and future growth.
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Strategic investment, funding models, and policy support are essential for long-term sustainability.
The report underscores both the resilience of the Northern Rivers’ creative sector and its urgent need for strategic investment. With ongoing challenges such as housing shortages, economic uncertainty and infrastructure gaps, the study evidences priority needs that can be addressed through funding, policy and partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.
“The Who We Are report outlines key pathways to strengthen and sustain the Northern Rivers’ creative sector, calling for strategic investment, and greater support for First Nations artists as critical priorities to drive growth and employment,” said Jane Fuller, Executive Director of Arts Northern Rivers.
“To future-proof our creative sector, we must prioritise investment in affordable creative spaces, Blak-owned cultural hubs, and mid-sized performance venues. Additionally, stronger cross-sector partnerships within industries such as health, environment and tourism can drive employment and greater support for First Nations artists,” added Ms Fuller
To rebuild engagement, the report calls for cultural tourism initiatives, touring networks, and community programming to boost attendance and economic impact. Residencies, regional exchanges, and producer development will further strengthen career pathways.
For more information about the Who We Are and to download a copy of the report, visit: www.artsnorthernrivers.com.au for details.
Image: In The Heart by Holly Ahern and Eden Crawford-Harriman – photo by Rohan Shearn