Arts and Culture
Local governments are uniquely positioned to shape the cultural and creative life of their communities.
Arts and culture are central to building vibrant, inclusive, and economically resilient communities. They generate far-reaching value, from supporting individual and collective health and wellbeing, social inclusion and strengthening cultural identity and community connection. When embedded in place-based planning and development, arts and culture enrich public spaces and stimulate local economies.
Local governments are key drivers of cultural vitality across NSW. They deliver, fund, and support arts and culture by managing over 4,000 cultural sites across NSW and providing programs, events, and cultural planning to reflect local identity, values, and aspirations.
Councils deliver arts and culture in a myriad of ways, including:
- Curating and hosting community events and festivals
- Commissioning and maintaining public artwork and sculptures
- Providing accessible venues and spaces for creative practice
- Operating libraries, museums and galleries
- Attracting touring performances, including performing in council-owned Theatres
- Being custodians of local heritage assets
Compared to other tiers of government, local governments are carrying a growing share of responsibility for arts and culture. NSW local government invested $555.4 million in arts and culture in 2021-22[1], an increase of 11% per capita since 2007. This contrasts with an increase of only 3.9% per capita spending from state and territory governments, while the federal government’s per capita expenditure has fallen by 18.9%.[2]
Advocacy through submissions
LGNSW makes regular submissions on behalf of member councils on arts and culture related issues.
LGNSW submissions page
Advocacy through cross-sector collaboration
Since 2015, LGNSW has partnered with Museums & Galleries NSW to facilitate the Local Government Museum Managers’ Roundtable, biannual gatherings for local government staff responsible for managing museum and heritage collections. Originally established as a forum to network and discuss shared issues and concerns, the Roundtable has since evolved into a strong collegiate network for collaboration, professional support and sector-wide advocacy.
Promoting excellence in local government arts and culture
LGNSW hosts the annual Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Awards to celebrate outstanding achievement by local government organisations in arts and culture projects and strategic cultural planning. LGNSW spotlights award winners through best practice case studies, sharing their innovative approaches to inspire and inform councils across the state.
Learn more
Supporting capacity building and council-led advocacy
LGNSW facilitates the NSW Night-Time Economy Councils' Committee. Established in 2016 by a group of local councils engaged in night-time economy building, this Committee promotes arts and culture as an essential aspect of a vibrant night-time economy. The group meets bi-monthly to share, advocate and strategise night time economy solutions.
Learn more
LGNSW also hosts the Arts and Culture Network which enables council staff to connect, share information and discuss arts and culture.
Request to join
Hosting professional networking opportunities
LGNSW hosts the annual Destination and Visitor Economy Conference, held in a unique NSW location each year. This event offers council staff a valuable opportunity to connect, share insights, and hear from guest speakers on strengthening local tourism. The conference has explored the role of arts and culture in creative placemaking and destination development, highlighting how cultural initiatives can enhance visitor experiences and contribute to thriving local economies.
Learn More
[1] Australian Government, Cultural Funding by Government: 2021–22 Overview, Office for the Arts
[2] ANA Insight Report (2024), The Big Picture 4: Expenditure on artistic, cultural and creative activity by governments in Australia in 2007–08 to 2021–22
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