Arts, culture and creative
A global reputation for artistic excellence
New South Wales's thriving arts, culture and creative sector is the largest in Australia and is expected to be a key driver of the state's economic growth, exports and innovation over the next decade.
Creative businesses choose NSW due to its cluster of inventive filmmakers, artists, designers, writers, musicians, dancers and advertising agencies. The state also has a thriving museum and art gallery culture, which benefits from a strong pipeline of government funding and private patronage.
The creative industries sector consists of two groups:
- Cultural production - activities include music, performing and visual arts, libraries, museums, print and other publishing, and media production and broadcasting.
- Creative services - which deliver creative outputs to a mix of consumer and corporate clients, include internet and digital services, advertising services and design.
Opportunities for investors
Investors can support NSW's many talented artists in their endeavours to export their creative output globally, as well as fund arts projects and festivals across the state.
The NSW Government, through Create NSW, actively partners with the private sector, organising exhibitions and performances of local artists. The Arts and Cultural Development Program (ACDP) also supports the sector by delivering quality arts and cultural experiences, funding projects and programs that create the greatest impact and value.
NSW Department of Industry can assist investors by providing comprehensive information on the state's creative arts sector. We can also organise introductions with relevant arts bodies.
Sydney – one of the world's most creative cities
Sydney has twice been voted the world's top festival and events city by the International Festivals and Events Association. It offers an exciting fusion of leading performance companies, venues and facilities including:
- Sydney Festival
- Chinese New Year Festival
- Vivid Sydney light and music extravaganza
- Sydney Biennale
- Writers' Festival
- Comedy Festival
- Film Festival
Sydney is also home to world-renowned performance companies such as:
- Australian Chamber Orchestra
- Bangarra Dance Theatre
- Opera Australia
- Sydney Dance Company
- Sydney Theatre Company
Regional NSW is rich in arts and cultural diversity
Regional Arts NSW supports and promotes the arts and cultural development among the 1.75 million people living in regional NSW outside the greater Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong areas by offering arts and cultural grants. It is also the peak body and support agency for arts and cultural development in regional NSW.
NSW's thriving regional arts community is also supported by a network of regional performing arts venues and 14 Regional Arts Development Boards, which provide strategic direction for the arts and cultural development activities in their regions.