Local artists, creatives and community leaders gathered at Lithgow Library recently for a hands-on workshop exploring how arts and culture can help attract visitors and strengthen regional identity.
Presented by Arts OutWest and funded by Create NSW, the free 2.5-hour session was led by experienced facilitator Andrew Gray and drew strong interest from across the community – selling out days before the workshop happened.
The practical workshop focused on how existing arts and cultural activities can play a more powerful role in the visitor economy. Drawing on recent research and a new resource toolkit, participants explored ways to better position what already exists locally — from exhibitions and events to heritage and creative experiences — as compelling reasons for people to visit the region.
A key theme of the session was working smarter with what is already happening. Rather than starting from scratch, participants were encouraged to think about how to promote and package existing activity more effectively, shaping it into experiences that are bookable, market-ready and aligned with what visitors are looking for.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of a stronger connection between the arts and tourism sectors. Participants discussed opportunities to collaborate with local tourism operators, destination marketing organisations and councils, recognising that partnerships are essential to building a cohesive and attractive visitor offering.
Attended by 32 people, the session brought together a diverse mix of artists, cultural organisations, tourism businesses and local government representatives. This mix created a valuable space for shared ideas and practical discussion, with a strong focus on identifying realistic next steps for growing cultural tourism in local communities.
Many participants noted the value of the collaborative approach, with the workshop designed not just to inform, but to support action. By the end of the session, attendees had begun to identify opportunities to develop new, place-based experiences and strengthen the visibility of local creative activity.
As regional areas continue to look for sustainable ways to grow their economies, initiatives like this highlight the important role that arts and culture can play — not just in enriching community life, but in attracting visitors and telling the unique stories of place.
