What is stARTs North-West?
Dream Burnie Municipal Band with Heather Wild 2023. Photo by Tara Palmer
We were the first regional branch of Tasmanian Regional Arts – established in 1948.
Burnie Arts Council was our original name.
In our 77 years of continuous operation, we have worked to link local arts organisations, advocated for arts development, and driven significant community projects.
What we do?
Exactly what our passionate and talented members decide is worth doing - as long as it supports the arts in our region!
Initiate
Burnie Little Theatre; Burnie Coastal Art Group; North West Chamber Music Society; Europa Poets; Cradle Coast Orchestra; Jazz Action Society; Burnie Youth Choir; Taiko Drummers; Stringalong; Paper on Skin… we had a hand in starting all of these projects!
Stringalong playing at our 75th birthday celebrations. Photo: Tara Palmer
Support
Whether it’s visiting shows, touring exhibitions, city-wide activities, individual endeavours, tourism/arts opportunities, conferences and consultation sessions… we will be there! And we will use our networks to make sure the community knows about these happenings also.
Ikebana workshop with Susie Solomon 2018
BAC AGM 2019
Advocate
It hasn’t always been easy! Facilities, venues, events and budgets are constantly under threat of cuts and closures. We have fought determinedly over the years to protect the investment that generations of dedicated people have made to Burnie’s cultural capital.
Connect
We are not the only arts organisation in the region. In fact, there are probably 50 other groups doing impressive and wonderful things – usually with a focus on one particular art form. As one of the original regional arts entities still active in the state, we act as an umbrella group. Our aim is to connect these groups and individuals – activating and enriching opportunity and outcomes.
Mayor Teeny Brumby, Pam Thorne and Cynthia Hawkins at the opening of 'The Canopy' 2025
Perpetuate
77 years is a long time, and our achievements are built on the vision and dedication of previous members and leaders. Their commitment to enhancing the artistic life and cultural richness of the area is embedded in our future.
Why the name change?
The network of regional arts councils threaded throughout Australia were established in the mid-20th century.
They had the name of ‘councils’ and were easily identified by their location.
With the demise of most state-wide umbrella bodies, there are not too many traditional arts councils left.
We are proud of our heritage and maintain a role similar to that which the founders of the regional arts network intended.
But… the word ‘council’ elicits a formality which no longer reflects our diverse, inclusive and community-led group.
…the word 'council' created confusion with the Burnie City Council. We are an independent, grassroots, not-for-profit organisation.
…what was the Civic Centre and then became the Burnie Arts and Function Centre is now known as Burnie Arts – very close to our original name! We love the team at Burnie Arts and the venue is a vital part of Burnie’s creative ecosystem, but we are not it!
…it was time for a refresh.
…we no longer see the need to identify as ‘Burnie-specific.’ All art-making is valuable. All artists contribute to the region’s cultural identity - whether they live in Burnie, Smithton or Latrobe!
…we welcome new ideas, new faces, and some ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking regarding our approach to the next 75 years.
After extensive consultation, the new name stARTs North-West was decided on and ratified at the July 2025 meeting.
Dream Burnie book launch at Not Just Books. Photo by Tara Palmer
Dream Burnie book launch at Avid Reader in Brisbane