Port Stephens Creatives Conference 2024

Join us for an exciting gathering of creative minds at the Whitesands Conference Centre!

The Port Stephens Creatives Conference is a chance for our creative community to come together, learn, network and collaborate.

This free, one day event will inspire ideas and opportunities for creative arts across Port Stephens. The program will include a diverse range of guest speakers along with tailored workshops designed to collectively seek knowledge and ideas from the most creative minds in the region – YOU!

Don't miss this unique opportunity to work with your fellow creatives to grow a vibrant and thriving place through arts and culture.

Bookings are essential as places are limited. Reserve your place now at Eventbrite.

Event Program

12pm to 5pm

The conference will have guest speakers to showcase opportunities and resources available to regional artists. There are tailored workshops which are designed to collectively seek knowledge and ideas from the most creative minds in the region – YOU – on making Port Stephens a thriving vibrant place through arts and culture.

12pm – Welcome to Country

12:15pm – Guest Speaker: Tracey Callinan, CEO Regional Arts NSW

12:45pm – Workshop 1

  • How to start your creative business, with Martin Mackenzie
  • Artwork to mural, with Brett Piva
  • Writing the future of Port Stephens: Craft a story to share the needs of our artists, with Jacob Ridgeway, 2023 Port Stephens Annual Award recipient

1:30pm – Lunch

2:15pm – Proposed Creative Hub Project with Paul Jakes and Salamander Bay Recycling Centre

2:30pm – Guest Speaker: Tim Kurylowicz, Executive Director Eastern Riverina Arts

3pm – Workshop 2

  • Working together for successful grants, with Martin Mackenzie
  • Stage Setting for Story Telling – A Practical look at Exhibition Development, with Nicole Chaffey, Murrook Cultural Centre
  • Creative Access Training with Michelle Teear, Accessible Arts
  • Working Together to Create an Event/Festival, with Sally Hill, Canvas Events

3:45pm – Afternoon tea

4pm – Soldiers Point Hall: Performing Arts Space Vision

4:15pm – Q&A

4:45pm – Day wrap: Where to from here

5pm to 7pm

Join us for networking drinks

*Program is subject to change.