NSW Regional Arts Network

Connected Through Regional Arts NSW

South Coast Arts proudly stands as a vital member of the Regional Arts Network, a powerful alliance of Regional Arts Development Organisations (RADO’s) spanning NSW. Through our member subscription to Regional Arts NSW (RANSW), we participate in regular network meetings facilitated by RANSW, fostering connection and collaboration. This framework links us to a broader ecosystem of regional creative development while preserving our unique local focus.

Strength in Regional Collaboration

As one of 14 RADOs across NSW with membership with RANSW and one of 15 accross the state, we engage in a dynamic network that shares knowledge, resources and strategic vision. Through this partnership, South Coast Arts accesses collective wisdom that enriches our local programs while contributing our distinctive South Coast perspective to state-wide conversations about regional cultural development.

How the Network Empowers Our Work

Our participation in the RADO Network, with meetings facilitated by Regional Arts NSW, enhances our capacity to deliver meaningful creative outcomes through:

• Collective Advocacy – Amplifying regional voices in cultural policy development and funding decisions
• Shared Learning – Accessing professional development and operational insights from peer organisations
• Collaborative Programming – Participating in coordinated initiatives that connect our region to broader arts movements
• Strategic Alignment – Contributing to a cohesive vision for regional arts development across NSW
• Resource Optimisation – Leveraging combined expertise to maximise impact of limited resources
• Cross-Regional Connections – Creating pathways for our local creatives to connect with opportunities beyond our region

A Framework for Regional Cultural Leadership

The Regional Arts Network represents a progressive model for regional arts development, one that balances local autonomy with the benefits of coordinated strategy. Through Regional Arts NSW’s facilitation, this network ensures regional communities have organisations that understand their unique cultural landscapes while benefiting from broader sector connections.

Statewide Collaborative Projects

Our RADO Network membership has enabled South Coast Arts to participate in significant statewide initiatives that connect our region to broader cultural conversations:

Regional Futures

A project that engaged creatives from each region (Anna Glynn from the South Coast) in a statewide exhibition and symposium to explore innovative perspectives on sustainable future in regional contexts, sharing insights about the unique challenges and opportunities.

Horizons

A project that provided mentoring to young creatives that expanded artistic boundaries and created new pathways for our regional young people to develop their practice and connect with professional mentors and fellow practitioners.

Cultural Tourism

A research and collaboration project exploring regional arts experiences as key drivers of cultural tourism, highlighting our distinctive creative offerings and cultural tourism narratives.

Building Regional Creative Capacity Together

This valued partnership enables South Coast Arts to work both independently and collectively, respecting the distinctive character of the Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven communities while participating in a larger movement to strengthen and celebrate creative practice across regional NSW.