Creative Futures 2037

Creative Futures 2037 will provide a long-term vision for arts, culture, heritage and the creative economy in Lake Macquarie.  

The plan will explore how arts, culture, literacy, heritage and creativity can support jobs, tourism, community wellbeing and local life. This includes opportunities to activate public spaces, strengthen the night-time economy and help young people build creative skills. 

The Arts, Heritage and Cultural Plan 2017–2027 delivered a range of significant achievements that have helped strengthen Lake Macquarie’s creative and cultural identity. 

Key outcomes included the establishment and growth of cultural facilities and programs such as the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima (MAP mima), the Museum of Art and Culture yapang (MAC yapang), the Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari and Windale Hub, bilyabayi.  

Council also enhanced community spaces through public art and urban art projects, developed heritage trails and local storytelling initiatives, expanded library services through digital literacy programs, lifelong learning opportunities and maker spaces such as FabLab and Textil Lab, and built strong partnerships with regional cultural organisations and industry stakeholders. 

These achievements have created a strong foundation for Creative Futures 2037.

The creative economy is made up of people, businesses and organisations that use creativity, skills and ideas to create products, services and experiences. 

This includes: 

• Visual arts and crafts 

• Music and performing arts 

• Design and architecture 

• Film, television and digital media 

• Writing and publishing 

• Cultural tourism 

• Heritage-based businesses and activities 

• Creative technology and digital content 

These industries help create jobs, support local businesses, attract visitors and contribute to vibrant, connected communities.

A thriving arts, culture and creative sector helps attract visitors, support local businesses and create local jobs. It also makes Lake Macquarie a more vibrant and connected place to live. 

By investing in creativity and culture, Creative Futures 2037 aims to deliver benefits for the community, local businesses and the wider economy.

The Arts, Heritage and Cultural Plan 2017–2027 is approaching the end of its term. Developing a new strategy provides an opportunity to review progress, understand community priorities and set a clear direction for the next 10 years. 

Creative Futures 2037 will help ensure Council's investment and actions continue to support a thriving, connected and creative city. 

The community is invited to provide feedback from 14 October to 25 November 2026. 

You can complete: 

• An online survey 

• Drop by one of our pop-ups  

Complete the survey by 25 November for a chance to win a Lake Mac Arts membership including two free tickets to a show of your choice*.  

Council has also been consulting directly with targeted industry groups throughout 2026 to better understand opportunities, challenges and future priorities for the sector. 

Following the consultation period, Council will review community feedback and prepare the strategy for consideration. Updates on the project and next steps will be published on the project page as the strategy progresses.