Art at the Heart of New England’s Future
At NERAM, we believe in the transformative power of art to enrich lives and strengthen communities. Art doesn’t just decorate our world—it helps us make sense of it. It sparks imagination, fosters empathy, tells stories, and brings people together in meaningful ways. As we move through 2025, our vision remains bold: to place art at the heart of New England’s future, ensuring that creativity and culture are not just accessible, but essential to life in our region.
We see this vision come to life every day—when students light up as they encounter real works of art for the first time, when local artists share their stories, when community members connect over a shared love of art, and when visitors discover the unique vibrancy of our cultural landscape. These moments are made possible by the dedication of our staff, the strength of our partnerships, and above all, the generosity of supporters like you.
In 2024, thanks to your continued support, NERAM strengthened its position as a dynamic cultural hub for New England. We welcomed thousands of visitors through exhibitions and events, expanded our Creative Learning program supporting lifelong learning and wellbeing, and advanced exciting plans to renew and improve our facilities. NERAM was recognised at both state and national levels for excellence in the sector, receiving the IMAGinE Award for Exhibitions (medium galleries) and the Australian Museums and Galleries Association Social Impact (Group 1) Award. These achievements are a testament to our shared commitment to the arts and to a thriving, inclusive future for our region.
We are living in challenging times—faced with rising living costs, environmental uncertainty, and global tensions. In this context, the role of art is more important than ever. Art connects us, helps us reflect, and brings meaning to our experiences. It sparks conversations, fosters understanding, and creates shared moments of beauty and joy—often when we need them most. At NERAM, we see firsthand how the arts continue to unite people, offering inspiration, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Supporting the arts is not a luxury—it is an investment in the resilience, wellbeing, and unity of our communities.
As we look ahead, your support is vital. We invite you to make a tax-deductible donation to the 2025 Annual Appeal to help us continue this important work and build a future where art remains central to life in New England.
This year’s Annual Appeal focuses on four key areas essential to NERAM’s future:
- Cultural Program
Our exhibitions, events and cultural experiences are the beating heart of NERAM. They inspire, challenge, educate and entertain, making NERAM a vital and vibrant cultural centre for our region and beyond.
- NERAM Foundation
The NERAM Foundation is one of our most critical and successful strategies for securing a sustainable future. As the Foundation’s endowment grows, it will provide essential funding for operational costs such as staffing, insurance, building maintenance, and the programming that brings our museum to life.
- Creative Learning Program
NERAM’s Creative Learning Program is expanding lifelong opportunities for arts education. We’re thrilled by the strong participation, especially from schools. From Toddler Art Play to Creative Ageing and everything in between, we aim to be a cornerstone of New England’s outstanding educational landscape.
- Building Improvements
Looking forward, we are committed to implementing facility upgrades outlined in the NERAM Master Plan. Donations to the NERAM Building Fund will help create spaces that better serve our community and support the museum’s growth into the future.
You may nominate which of these four areas you would like your donation to support. Each plays a vital role in NERAM’s success and in shaping a vibrant, creative future for our region. If you are able to give, please use the enclosed donation form or visit us at NERAM to make your tax-deductible donation.
Thank you sincerely for your generosity and support. We hope to welcome you to NERAM again soon.
Rachael Parsons
Director, New England Regional Art Museum
