NGAA Workshop: Shaping the National Cultural Policy

Australia’s growth areas are home to some of the nation’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities—yet access to arts, culture and creative infrastructure continues to lag behind established metropolitan areas.

The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) is convening a targeted policy workshop to inform a coordinated local government response to the Australian Government’s evolving national cultural policy.

This workshop will bring together practitioners and leaders from across NGAA member councils who are directly involved in delivering, planning or advocating for cultural infrastructure, facilities and programs.

Why this matters

Cultural infrastructure is not a ‘nice to have’—it is essential to building connected, inclusive and liveable communities.

In growth areas:

• Population growth is outpacing the delivery of cultural facilities
• Communities are highly diverse, with strong demand for inclusive and accessible cultural experiences
• Local governments are often leading investment in cultural infrastructure without aligned state and federal support

This workshop will ensure the lived experience and expertise of growth area councils directly informs national policy settings.

Workshop objectives

Participants will:

• Shape NGAA’s policy position on cultural infrastructure and programming in growth areas
• Identify key gaps and barriers impacting delivery of arts and cultural facilities
• Contribute to evidence-based advocacy to influence the national cultural policy
• Share case studies and best practice from across councils
• Help define priority recommendations for federal engagement

Who should attend

This workshop is designed for council officers who:

• Work in or manage performing arts centres, galleries or cultural venues
• Lead or deliver arts and cultural programs
• Are involved in community infrastructure planning (with a cultural focus)
• Advocate for arts, culture and creative industries within their organisation

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