New England

New England, New South Wales is a region that boasts a vibrant arts scene, with many businesses and organisations dedicated to providing unique and exciting experiences in the creative, performing and visual arts. Here we provide an overview of some of the most exciting businesses in the region, detailing what they offer and how you can get involved.

Creative Arts

1. Armidale Folk Museum

The Armidale Folk Museum is a charming museum dedicated to preserving Armidale's rich history and culture. With a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year, the museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the creative arts. Visitors can explore historical artefacts, discover traditional crafts and learn about the lives of early settlers in the region. The Armidale Folk Museum is also home to a regularly updated roster of workshops and classes, covering skills such as hand-weaving, felting, and jewellery-making.

Contact Details:

Address: 93 Rusden Street, Armidale

Phone: (02) 6772 2868

2. Art Upstairs

Art Upstairs is an exciting art gallery situated above the popular food hub, The Foodies Hub. The space provides an opportunity to showcase and sell the work of local artists. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions, workshops and classes for both beginners and experienced artists, covering all aspects of the visual arts. The classes are tailored to suit the individual’s needs, tailoring their skills-based on their prior experience level. Art upstairs has created a great experience for both artists and art lovers alike.

Contact Details:

Address: 170 Rusden St & 4/180 Rusden Street, Armidale

Phone: (02) 6772 0025

3. New England Regional Art Museum

The New England Regional Art Museum is the premier art destination in the region, with its collection of over 5000 works of art from regional, national and international artists. The museum offers a range of exhibitions throughout the year, which include both contemporary and traditional artwork. For artists, the museum provides various opportunities to exhibit their work, as well as holding seminars and workshops for aspiring artists.

Contact Details:

Address: Kentucky Street, Armidale

Phone: (02) 6772 5255

Performing Arts

1. Tamworth Musical Society

The Tamworth Musical Society is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion and development of musical theatre in the region. With their performances, they bring in the community from Tamworth and around, showcasing local talent. Alongside their shows, the society also hosts a range of workshops and classes for aspiring performers of all ages to learn new skills and perfect their craft.

Contact Details:

Address: Carroll precinct, Tamworth

Phone: (02) 6766 4973

2. Tenterfield Cinema

Tenterfield Cinema is the go-to cinema destination for movie lovers in the region, offering the latest in the world of cinema. The cinema provides a high-quality cinematic experience, with comfortable seating, a state-of-the-art sound system and an oversized screen. The Tenterfield Cinema is also a venue for live theatre performances.

Contact Details:

Address: 269 Rouse Street, Tenterfield

Phone: (02) 6736 6100

3. Armidale Symphony Orchestra

The Armidale Symphony Orchestra is a professional ensemble of musicians and is considered to be the best in the region. The Orchestra's aim is to deliver performance excellence and inspire the community, whether through live performances or through outreach programs - such as their School Music Programs - aimed at promoting music education and fostering a love for music. The Orchestra is always looking for new members - currently recruiting horns and double basses for their next season.

Contact Details:

Address: Cnr Mossman St & Dangar St, Armidale

Phone: 0408 113 849

Visual Arts

1. The Makers Shed

The Makers Shed is a creative hub that celebrates the work of local artists and craftspeople in the region, with a constantly updated range of locally made art, gifts, and homewares. The space is also a venue for workshops and classes, with artists from all backgrounds coming together to share their skills. The makers shed is also available for hire, making it an ideal venue for special events such as weddings and birthdays.

Contact Details:

Address: 2-4 Taylor Street, Glen Innes

Phone: 0407 559 896

2. New England Glassworks

New England Glassworks is a professional glassblowing studio based in Armidale, offering a range of workshops and classes in glassblowing and sculpture making. The studio features state-of-the-art equipment and a unique, collaborative environment in which local and visiting artists can create and experiment with glass in a supportive environment.

Contact Details:

Address: 1/2 Dangar St, Armidale

Phone: (02) 6772 5280

3. Inverell Art Gallery

The Inverell Art Gallery is a great destination for art lovers of all ages, with its permanent collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures from local and national artists. The gallery also offers a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, which provides an exciting opportunity to discover new and emerging talent. The Inverell Art Gallery also provides a forum for local artists to exhibit and sell their work.

Contact Details:

Address: 19 Evans Street, Inverell

Phone: (02) 6722 4983