Artstate, held from November 1 to 4, is both an arts conference and festival that is set to celebrate the ambition and ability of the whole arts community in the Central West. 

Bathurst Memorial Entertainement Centre hosted the official Artstate launch on Monday where Regional Arts NSW chief executive officer Elizabeth Rogers said Bathurst had been identified as a prime location for the festival.

“We’re hoping to get 200 conference attendees into Bathurst,” she said.

“All up, how many people come to the arts program depends on how the community supports the event.”

The event already has the support of the NSW Government after $200,000 in funding was announced in February. Bathurst Regional Council has also set aside $35,000 for the event.

BMEC manager Stephen Champion said Artstate would take across the city for four days.

He also said the event, which was held in Lismore last year, would be a one-off. 

“Everyone needs to make the most of it being here in November because there’ll not be another Artstate in Bathurst,” he said.

“The event is set to be really inclusive of the entire community because some of the events are free.

“It’s also fantastic that it includes local artists.”

Each of Bathurst’s museums – the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, the National Motor Racing Museum and the Chifley Home – will welcome artists to develop new and inspiring work, which will be premiered at Artstate. 

Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre will also host the world premiere of the Australian Theatre for Young People production The Climbing Tree, directed by Mr Champion.

Machattie Park is set to come alive with sculptures, installations, live music and performances which will feature some of the Central West’s best known musicians including a free outdoor concert by Bathurst favourites Smith and Jones.

Artstate celebrates not just the significance of arts and cultures in the Central West but also highlights the great artistic ambition and potential.

Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger said council was happy to be involved with the event.

“We set aside $35,000 towards Artstate, which was approved without opposition,” he said.

“It’s set to be exciting and diverse. Bathurst doesn’t know what it’s in for.”

The conference is set to be held on November 2 and 3 (Friday and Saturday), while the festival will be held on November 1 and 4 (Thursday and Sunday). 

The inaugural Artstate was held in Lismore last year and attracted people from all across northern NSW.

Visit artstate.com.au for more information.