This project aims to shape a clear, purposeful strategy that reflects the city's cultural identity, supports both community and commercial users, and ensures infrastructure and funding are aligned with future needs.

City of Newcastle is developing the 10-year cultural plan by:

• Undertaking economic analysis, evidence-based data gathering.
• Undertaking a co-design process to bring in voices of the creative community.
• Bringing together the economic analyses and community voices into a plan that supports Newcastle now and into the future.

The new 10-Year Cultural Plan will provide:

• Clear hierarchy of purpose and investment with an aligned, endorsed strategy that informs council-wide actions.
• Transparent usage models balancing community needs with commercial needs and aspirations.
• Genuine consultation and inclusive cultural planning that gives stakeholders a genuine say in shaping cultural policy and planning.
• A practical, actionable cultural plan that brings the city’s creative vision to life - for artists, organisations, and Council alike.

A targeted program of engagement with key cultural and creative stakeholders has been delivered. The consultation provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between CN and its creative ecosystem, including artists, cultural institutions, cultural education providers, creative enterprises, arts organisations, and the broader community. Over 140 invitations were extended to individuals and organisations including Multicultural and First Nations.

Through co-design sessions, we've engaged the arts and cultural community in meaningful dialogue to explore challenges, identify what’s needed, and shape a shared vision for a vibrant cultural future in Newcastle.

The experience, insight, and imagination from extensive industry engagement is now being synthesised with economic analysis, infrastructure mapping and strategic review to build a plan that’s grounded in reality and driven by community.