The arts are essential to healthy, connected and resilient communities
In times of uncertainty and rapid change, art offers something profoundly important: a space to reflect,
imagine, connect and find meaning together. The arts help us process the world around us, foster empathy and understanding, and create moments of beauty, joy and hope—often when we need them most.
When we talk about the value of the arts, we often fall back on a familiar set of arguments. We talk about tourism. We talk about economic impact. We talk about creative industries, visitor numbers, night-time activation, education outcomes. All of these things are real and critically important. But they
are not the whole story.
The arts also do something more intimate and more profound. They help us feel. They help us gather. They help us process grief and uncertainty. They help us imagine other ways of being. They create meaning, and they create belonging. Research increasingly confirms what many of us instinctively
know: the arts play a vital role in health and wellbeing. A major World Health Organization review of more than 3,000 studies found the arts contribute positively to mental health, social connection and overall wellbeing across all stages of life. In regional communities especially, galleries, exhibitions and creative programs create opportunities for people to gather, connect, reflect and feel part of something
larger than themselves. At a time when loneliness, anxiety and social division are rising concerns, the arts help build healthier, more resilient and connected communities.
Every day at NERAM, we see the impact of the arts firsthand. We see children discovering confidence, curiosity and self-expression through creative learning experiences. We see older members of our community finding connection, memory and renewed confidence through our art and dementia programs. We see artists sharing stories that challenge, inspire and encourage new ways of thinking.
And we see people coming together through exhibitions, performances and conversations that foster belonging, understanding and a stronger sense of community.
As we move through 2026, the importance of these experiences continues to grow. Across regional Australia, communities are navigating increasing social, environmental and economic pressures. In this context, access to arts and culture is not a luxury—it is a vital part of community wellbeing. The arts contribute to mental health, reduce social isolation, encourage lifelong learning and help build stronger, more resilient communities.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, NERAM continues to play a vital role in the cultural life of the New England region. In recent years, we have expanded our exhibitions and public programs, strengthened opportunities for creative learning and participation, and continued to position NERAM as one of regional Australia’s leading cultural institutions. We remain deeply committed to ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds can access meaningful creative experiences close to home, while celebrating the unique character of our region and championing the extraordinary talent, stories and creativity of our local communities.
Your support is essential in helping us continue this work. We invite you to make a tax deductible donation to the 2026 Annual Appeal. This year, the Appeal focuses on four key areas central to our future:
- Creative and cultural experiences: NERAM’s exhibitions, festivals, performances and public programs bring people together through shared creative experiences. These programs inspire curiosity, encourage dialogue and ensure the arts remain accessible, ambitious and relevant for our region.
- Arts education, health and wellbeing programs: Creative participation has a powerful impact onwellbeing and social connection. Support for NERAM Creative Learning helps NERAM deliver inclusive programs for children, young people, families, older adults and regional communities, fostering creativity, connection and lifelong wellbeing through the arts.
- The NERAM Foundation: The NERAM Foundation plays a critical role in securing
the long-term sustainability of the museum. As the Foundation grows, it helps provide stability for staffing, collection care, building maintenance and the delivery of ambitious cultural programs for future generations.
- Building renewal and future growth: As NERAM continues to evolve, we are committed
to improving our facilities and creating welcoming, accessible and sustainable spaces for our community. Donations to the Building Fund will support future upgrades and improvements outlined in the NERAM Master Plan, ensuring NERAM remains a vibrant cultural destination for generations to come.
You may nominate which of these four areas you would like your donation to support. Each plays an important role in ensuring NERAM can continue enriching lives through art, creativity and connection.
Thank you sincerely for your generosity and belief in the value of the arts. Your support helps ensure that NERAM remains a place of inspiration, reflection and community for the New England region. We look forward to welcoming you to NERAM again soon.
Rachael Parsons
Director, New England Regional Art Museum
