That’s the message from Regional Arts NSW chief executive officer Elizabeth Rogers ahead of Artstate coming to the city in early November.

The event is officially part conference and part arts festival, but Ms Rogers was at pains during her recent visit to Bathurst to emphasise that it will also be for locals.

“Don't stay away; it's not just for delegates,” was her message to the city. “And it's not going to be in the Central West ever again. It's a one-off opportunity.”

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Artstate, which aims to show off the arts sector in regional areas, will be hosted by a different NSW location each year of its four-year life.

It was Lismore’s turn in 2017 and Bathurst was announced as the 2018 host as the event came to a close in the Northern Rivers city last year.

Ms Rogers says a number of arts professionals and art sector decision-makers will be in Bathurst for the conference side of the event, but she wants locals to know there will be plenty for them to see as well.

Events held as part of the arts festival side of Artstate will, on the whole, be free, Ms Rogers said, and “we will welcome the community to participate”.

The opening ceremony on the Thursday night, November 1, will feature music, dance and storytelling in the CBD, she said, and a free concert at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre on the Sunday – featuring talented musicians from regional conservatoriums across NSW - will close the festival.

In between time, there will be exhibitions, music, circus entertainment and a sculpture walk in Machattie Park.

As well, projects created by artists-in-residence at three of Bathurst’s museums - the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, the Chifley Home and the National Motor Racing Museum – will be revealed.

Ms Rogers said venues including the art gallery, Tremain’s Mill, the senior citizens’ centre and even the Majellan Club will host exhibitions or events as part of Artstate.

Artstate will run from November 1-4.