Arts OutWest

Arts OutWest is the regional arts and cultural development organisation for the NSW Central West, founded in 1974 and recognised as the oldest of the state’s Regional Arts Development Organisations (RADOs).  It serves 12 local government areas across the region and works to promote, facilitate, educate and advocate for arts and cultural growth in communities ranging from Bathurst and Orange to Cowra, Forbes, Lithgow and beyond.  As a not‑for‑profit organisation, Arts OutWest delivers programs that support local artists, bring cultural experiences to regional towns, and strengthen the creative economy that forms part of the region’s identity.

From a community perspective, Charles Sturt University plays a significant role as a long‑standing supporter and partner of Arts OutWest. The organisation’s core program is funded through a combination of NSW Government investment, local government contributions, and Charles Sturt University’s support.  This partnership helps ensure that arts development remains accessible, sustainable and deeply embedded in the fabric of regional community life. CSU’s involvement is also formalised at a governance level—Arts OutWest’s advisory and board structures include a designated Charles Sturt University representative, underscoring the University’s place as a key regional stakeholder.

The collaboration between the University and Arts OutWest is also reflected in major regional cultural projects. Initiatives such as the VISION 20/50 speculative arts festival are delivered with the support of Charles Sturt University, highlighting CSU’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation and cultural expression across the Central West.  By backing projects that bring artists, communities and industries together, CSU helps expand arts participation and amplify regional voices in the broader cultural landscape.

Together, Arts OutWest and Charles Sturt University form a strong community‑centred partnership. CSU’s support strengthens regional arts capacity, while Arts OutWest provides opportunities for learning, creative engagement and cultural enrichment that benefit students, staff and the wider public. This relationship not only enhances the cultural vibrancy of the Central West but also reinforces CSU’s broader mission of contributing meaningfully to the wellbeing, identity and development of the communities it serves.