City of Newcastle has thrown a spotlight on Newcastle's thriving creative sector, which supports almost 3,500 jobs and generates around $565 million in direct value added to the local economy.
The figures were revealed as part of its draft Cultural Plan 2026-2036, which will guide City of Newcastle's commitment to local arts, culture and creative industries during the next decade.
Joel Sunny performs at City of Newcastle's 2025 New Annual festival as part of the Soak: Live at the Baths program. Photo credit Ange Maloney
Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Jenny Barrie, said it was important to recognise the value of a sector that was growing twice as fast as the rest of our economy.
"Newcastle is a vibrant and creative city, renowned for its rich culture and thriving artistic community," Cr Barrie said.
"Now, for the first time, we have been able to properly define the significance of that reputation thanks to the most substantial analysis of the creative sector ever undertaken in Newcastle.
"Not only is it at the core of how we see ourselves and our future, the sector is also a valuable generator of jobs and economic growth, confirming that investing in creativity delivers real returns.
"The Cultural Plan provides Newcastle with a clear, coordinated and long-term approach to culture, and identifies how it can be nurtured, supported and celebrated by all levels of government and the wider community."
Executive Director Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said extensive industry consultation had guided the development of the draft plan, with City of Newcastle now seeking feedback from the wider community.
"As an enabler, advocate and champion for culture locally, City of Newcastle has developed this plan to bring clarity to its role, stability to the sector and confidence to the city's cultural practitioners," Ms Jones said.
"We worked closely with around 70 cultural organisations, individual creatives and community leaders to ensure the plan is grounded in lived experiences and responds to the challenges and opportunities they are experiencing.
"It builds on a decade of cultural momentum in Newcastle, addresses real structural pressures and sets a clear, coordinated pathway for the next 10 years."
The draft Cultural Plan is structured around four key pillars.
It is designed to strengthen City of Newcastle's role by improving and simplifying access to support, opening clearer partnership pathways, and elevating diverse creative leadership across programs and governance.
It considers how to address the shortage of suitable creative spaces, which is Newcastle's most immediate cultural sector challenge, and focuses on sustainable creative careers and industry development.
The plan also aims to strengthen cultural life across the city by expanding late-night and festival activity, streamlining approvals, supporting local businesses and ensuring cultural participation is woven into neighbourhood life and the night-time economy.
Community members can find out more or make a submission via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle's website. The public exhibition period opens today and will close at 5pm on Monday 30 March 2026.
