Representatives from Create NSW shared information about funding opportunities and support that is available to arts individuals and organisations across the state.

Around 20 people from various groups including Dorothea Mackellar Historical Society, and Arts Gunnedah were able to put forward ideas and receive feedback and direction from both Create NSW and Arts North West.

Create NSW said it would support projects that focus on excellence, engagement and participation within priority areas including Aboriginal culture and people living with a disability.

Arts North West, executive director, Caroline Downer said it was a good session.

“There’s been a nice conversation about what projects people are interested in getting up and how they go about getting funding for those projects,” she said.

“I’m really keen to see what will happen.”

Tania Hartigan came all the way from Wallabadah to get some ideas to help get an artist’s retreat up and running.

Mrs Hartigan said she had enjoyed the workshop and had taken on lots of great ideas.

Joe Craggie from Pathfinders wanted to find out more about using art as therapy.

“It gave me a greater awareness of what’s available in performing arts and support for community services,” he said.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s arts and cultural officer, Lauren Mackley, said Create NSW could help boost the arts community in the region.

“It shows artists what they can do to enhance their development and experience,” she said.​