The group comprises head of arts funding for the Australia Council, Libby Christie, new chair of South East Arts Lindy Hume and Regional Arts NSW CEO Elizabeth Rogers.

They will visit local towns including Bega, Bermagui and Tanja.

The purpose of the tour is to increase understanding of arts and cultural development in the south-east region of NSW.

Ms Hume, who is also deputy chair of Regional Arts NSW and current artistic director of the Sydney Festival, said she was keen to gain a broader knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing artists and arts workers as she takes up her new role.

She said she was looking forward to a first-hand look at art and cultural projects recently completed in the region and broadening her understanding of the role played by the arts in a regional landscape.

The group will meet with arts organisations, arts workers, local council staff, arts business owners and artists in the region, as well as review cultural infrastructure, arts programs and creative industry development.

Ms Rogers said it had been a number of years since her last extensive tour of the south-east region.

“I’m delighted that Libby and Linda were available to take up the invitation to join me,” she said.

“It is an added bonus to have them along for the ride, given their experience.”

Ms Rogers said the aim of the tour was to “give a local voice to local people to determine their arts and cultural development priorities in regional communities.”

She said the trip would provide a snapshot of life in regional, rural and remote communities, and particularly the role played by local government in supporting the arts.

“Most importantly, my colleagues will have the opportunity to meet with local people, many of whom are volunteers, who contribute so much to the cultural life of our communities,” she said.

“I am deeply appreciative of the work done by Andrew Gray from South East Arts and his staff in setting up so many meetings to give us all a comprehensive picture of the vast range of art activities in the region.”

The group will visit the Spiral Gallery on Church Street, Bega at 3.30pm today.

Please RSVP to Dave Hibbert on 6499 2207 or dhibbert@sear.org.au

A meeting will be held at the Four Winds Festival site in Barragga Bay at 10am tomorrow.

Please RSVP to Natalya Tatechi on 6493 3414 or Natalya@fourwinds.com.au

For more information, contact Andrew Gray on agray@sear.org.au, 0429 909 447 or 6499 2286.