City to Launch Flagship Cultural Event in 2020

The City of Newcastle has its sights on establishing a cultural festival with nation-wide appeal in 2020 and is looking to the community to help make it uniquely Novocastrian. The flagship event is planned to launch in late 2020 and will be shaped by engagement with residents across the local government area along with visual artists, musicians and performers.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the festival would mark another milestone in Newcastle’s transformation and demonstrate the City’s commitments to the arts.

“Through culture and the creative arts, we tell our city’s story, share our histories and understand our identity. A key part of the process is listening to our community to ensure Novocastrians shape how this event looks and feels, ” the Lord Mayor said.

“We want a festival that will foster and support our existing grassroots arts and cultural scene while having broad appeal and the ability to attract new audiences.”

Early consultation with the arts sector has identified that access to free events hosted at independent spaces as well as our City’s cultural institutions are important elements to consider, as is the need for a diversity of options.

People are invited to have their say now to help shape art and culture in our city by completing the survey or voting on the cultural experience wall. Consultation closes 5pm Wednesday 15 January 2020.  For more information, visit the Have Your Say page at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/Projects/Cultural-project-conversation