Arts North West calls for arts trail alliance

Arts North West, a regional arts board for the New England North West of New South Wales, has put out a call for all galleries, museums, studios and other art-related venues to unite under a cultural tourism initiative named Country Art Escapes, to create an arts trail in the state.

Due to launch in March of 2012, the staff of the Country Art Escapes program plan to put several ‘art places’ on the region’s map, to create an art trail for visitors to peruse, bringing about more exposure on the arts industry in regional NSW and to boost the coffers of local businesses.

Arts North West was established in 1996, receiving financial support from Arts NSW and further support from the government by the local councils and shires of New England North West. New England North West is a region that is nestled near the centre of the state next to the Queensland border, separate from the coastal region of NSW, with towns of Armidale, Tamworth, Inverell, Narrabri among others. With the desert in the west and lush farmlands and national parks across the region, New England North West has become a thriving bed of art and artists, begetting Arts North West.

Arts North West’s mission statement is to ‘expand creative opportunities in our (New England North West) region’ with the vision of bringing about a ‘rich diverse cultural landscape’ open to locals and visitors alike. With the creation of Country Art Escapes, Art North West will achieve their mission and vision, uniting several art venues under one website and media publication, to provide information to interested parties.

“This is a great opportunity for the many artists and arts and cultural venues across the New England North West to promote themselves as part of the regional arts trail,” said Jane Kreis, Regional Arts Development Officer at Arts North West.

“Country Art Escapes will provide visitors and locals alike, with an easy way to plan a cultural tour. It might be a day trip or a longer term tour of the region incorporating some of the best art, food, wine, festivals and accommodation in the region.”

Jane Kreis of Arts North West, graduated from University of Queensland to focus her career in Australian arts, specialising in sustainable creativity. Prior to her work as Regional Arts Development Officer, Kreis worked as an actor and director for ten years before drifting towards journalism and eventually in arts and cultural development, working at arts centres in Europe and Australia.

“While visitors to the website will be able to plan their own tour, they will also have the option of following suggested trails, organised tours or visiting featured attractions and events,” said Ms Kreis, touching on the unique potential of the program that deserves to be tapped.

“Country Art Escapes offers arts venues with unique networking and promotional opportunities.”