In partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Lismore City Council is proud to unveil the innovative Converge program, a fresh and ambitious initiative to infuse Lismore’s CBD with creative vitality.
Local artists, musicians, performers and creatives are invited to submit their expression of interest to for a unique opportunity to utilise dedicated working spaces for creating and developing projects in the heart of Lismore.
As a disaster recovery initiative, Converge is designed to bring new life and energy to Lismore’s CBD and is an important step forward in Council’s commitment to supporting the arts and encouraging economic development within our vibrant community.
Successful applicants will enjoy a series of professional development and entrepreneurial supports, community interaction, plus engagement and opportunities to exhibit artworks and present directly to the public.
Converge continues the highly successful Lismore Art in the Heart program, a flagship model of using empty spaces to foster local creativity designed to bring greater artistic energy to the city.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said Converge aims to activate and renew CBD spaces with an artistic and entrepreneurial spirit aimed at benefiting the local economy.
“We have a bustling creative community in our region that bring a positive economic outcome in terms of visitation and local spending in our CBD,” he said.
“This creative enterprise development program recognises the artistic, social and economic value of Lismore’s creative community.
“Supporting our creative community by enabling spaces to create and showcase work is crucial in fostering community connection and supports the call to Back Lismore’s arts and culture.”
Lismore City Council Destination and Economy Manager Tina Irish said Converge aims to revitalise Lismore’s CBD and support local creative enterprise.
“Converge is designed to bring new life and energy to Lismore’s CBD, contributing to its continued growth as a thriving cultural hub, celebrating its unique character, community and world-class creative industry,” she said.
“As a disaster recovery initiative funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, we are excited to offer local artists and creative entrepreneurs the opportunity to empower their artistic spirit.
“It offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, access to professional development resources, community engagement opportunities and platforms for showcasing their work to the public.”
Successful applicants will gain access to programs within the Converge residency space in the Lismore CBD from mid-May to late December 2024.
Expressions of interest for Converge are due by the end of business on Monday, 15 April and can be submitted by visiting https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/converge.
