City to launch flagship cultural event in 2020

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,” the Lord Mayor said.

“A key part of the process is listening to our community to ensure Novocastrians shape how this event looks and feels.

“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.

“The community’s feedback will play a vital part in launching this new cultural initiative in 2020.”

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.

The desire to host events in unique and iconic locations in Newcastle not usually associated with cultural events has also emerged as an exciting concept.

The festival will cater for all ages and have a mix of events that will be both free of charge and ticketed.

People are invited to have their say now to help shape art and culture in our city.
Step 1: Complete the survey
Step 2: Vote on the cultural experience wall
Consultation closes 5pm Wednesday 15 January, 2020.

For more information visit our Have Your Say page.

Australia’s flagship cultural events

Picture: Councillor Carol Duncan with representatives from Newcastle's cultural and arts sector at a creative networking event on Wednesday at Civic Theatre.