The future of support for arts practitioners in the Orana region is up in the air following news that Orana Arts – the regional arts development organisation (RADO) supporting the sector in the Orana region – has failed to receive funding under the Minns Government’s new creative and cultural sector funding arrangements.

Orana Arts is the only RADO not to receive any funding through the competitive application process administered by Create NSW. The other 14 RADOs in NSW have all received some form of funding, a spokesperson for Regional Arts NSW told Dubbo Photo News.

Orana Arts’ executive director Alicia Rodriguez Leggatt will be made redundant as a result of the defunding and the organisation will be restructured, according to a statement released by Orana Arts on October 20.

“Orana Arts ... is entering a transformative new chapter in response to a significantly changed funding landscape,” the statement said.

“In collaboration with Regional Arts NSW and Create NSW, the Orana Arts Board is actively working to reframe and rejuvenate the organisation’s operations.”

RADOs invaluable to sector

Orana Arts’ announcement has been greeted with shock in the local arts sector, as the body has in the past been instrumental in supporting local arts practitioners from across the region and has been a key provider of arts and cultural services.

The organisation’s website says: “Whether it’s finding a grant for a community arts project or event, a network to support your regionally based arts practice, an experienced project manager to deliver creative outcomes in the region for diverse stakeholders and audiences, or bringing a touring production or presentation to the region, we can help you.”

One critical area where RADOs have been of particular support to arts practitioners has been in the area of grant applications, providing letters of support that have been required as part of the application process. In a statement, a spokesperson for Create NSW said: “applicants are no longer required to include letters of support with applications” and that its staff were available to “support applicants”.

What support a restructured Orana Arts may be able to provide arts practitioners under its new structure – likely helmed by unpaid volunteers – is yet to be seen, with a spokesperson for the board describing the situation now as “a pivotal moment” for the organisation.

“We are committed to working collaboratively with our community to reimagine what the organisation can be. Together, we can build a vibrant and sustainable future for arts in our region,” the Orana Arts spokesperson said.

“As part of this process, Orana Arts is inviting input from community members, stakeholders, and creative practitioners to help shape its future direction.”

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Reactions

Dubbo Photo News approached local and state political representatives, Create NSW, Regional Arts NSW, and Arts Minister John Graham for comment on the defunding of Orana Arts.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Create NSW said: “The NSW Government recognises the significant contributions made by regionally-based artists, arts organisations and [RADOs] to the arts and culture ecology across NSW.

“Orana Arts currently remains a [RADO] within the RADO Network. Create NSW is working with the organisation to support their future strategic direction.”

Regional Arts NSW is also working to support Orana Arts, a spokesperson said.

In 2026, Create NSW will deliver more than $11.3 million to 68 regional arts and cultural organisations across three Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP) Multi-year Funding programs, the agency spokesperson added.

“Arts and cultural organisations in regional NSW received 50 per cent of the recently announced two-year Multi-year Funding investment and 42 per cent of the four-year Multi-year Funding investment,” the spokesperson said.

“The Dubbo Region is supported through the ACFP 2-year Multi-year Funding program through Dubbo Regional Council’s cultural activation program,” they added.

Dubbo Regional Council has received $89,500 for a two-year cultural activation program. A number of other NSW councils have also received funding via the same two-year program, including Albury City ($100,000), Bathurst Regional ($180,000), Canterbury-Bankstown ($100,000), Lake Macquarie City ($190,000), Newcastle City ($205,000), Orange City ($160,000), Randwick City ($100,000), and Tamworth Regional ($183,925).

In a statement, Dubbo Regional Council mayor Cr Josh Black described the Orana Arts defunding as “deeply disappointing,” and said that “Council remains firmly committed to supporting arts and culture in our region” through key facilities like the cultural and convention centres, and disbursing community grants in the Dubbo local government area.

“Council strongly believes Orana Arts should have received the full four-year forward funding allocation they applied for.

“They’ve been a cornerstone of arts and culture in the Orana region, and it's difficult to see how the wider community won't miss out due to a lack of NSW Government funding. Orana Arts' programs and services have made a real difference, and this decision will undoubtedly impact art programs what they can offer going forward,” Cr Black added.

“Council is grateful for securing $89,500 annually for two years through Create NSW for projects, programs and exhibitions across the local government area.”

State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders described the news as “incredibly disappointing” and “another example of the Minns Labor Government’s continued disregard for our regional communities” potentially placing arts programs and initiatives at risk.

“Orana Arts has served Dubbo and surrounding communities for more than 21 years providing vital support to local artists, fostering creativity, and delivering projects that celebrate and strengthen our regional identity,” Mr Saunders said.

“These cuts not only undermine the hard work and dedication of those within the arts sector but also jeopardise opportunities for regional communities to engage in and benefit from the arts,” Mr Saunders said.

Duty MLC for electorates covering the Orana region, Stephen Lawrence, deferred to the advice from Create NSW.

Arts Minister John Graham referenced the competitive nature of the grants process.

“The Arts and Cultural Funding Program applications are highly competitive [and] assessed by an independent panel. Unfortunately, Orana Arts were unsuccessful in the recent funding rounds.

“Create NSW is working with Orana Arts to support the organisation [to] reframe their strategic direction. 25/26 Project Funding rounds will open in the new year,” he concluded.

Dubbo Photo News has also spoken with two local arts practitioners about the impacts of Orana Arts’ defunding and proposed restructuring. We have elected not to name them, as both will likely apply for future grant funding for individual or group arts-related activities.

Their shared view is that the work of the outgoing Orana Arts executive director, Ms Rodriguez Leggatt – a champion of regional arts practitioners across all artistic forms – will be seriously missed.

As for the future direction of a yet-to-be-restructured Orana Arts, Dubbo Photo News will continue to watch this space.

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Footnote: A practising arts practitioner, the author of this article is a member of Orana Arts and other creative organisations in NSW, Queensland and nationally.