This free annual forum is an opportunity for staff and volunteers from regional and Western Sydney museums to network, share stories and be inspired by current topics relevant to the regional collecting sector.
The Regional Stakeholder Forum is held in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW and Regional Arts NSW. Participants can attend in person at Powerhouse Castle Hill or online.
This year’s forum highlights ways in which regional and Western Sydney museums build community connection and drive cultural tourism.
Sessions
An on-site forum ticket includes the full-day's schedule and an elective topic for the afternoon breakout session.
Cultural Tourism in Regional NSW
Andrew Gray, outgoing Executive Director, South East Arts, will present on findings from the report Cultural Tourism in Regional NSW, recently published by the Regional Arts Network. As a key contributor to the report, Gray will expand on practical recommendations to the small museum sector.
The Up-To-Date Store Cultural Tourism Report Case Study
Coolamon Shire Council General Manager, Tony Donoghue, shares the story of The Up-To-Date Store and cultural precinct, a place where local community and visitors meet. This small museum exemplifies recommendations from the Cultural Tourism in Regional NSW report.
Telling the Worimi Story
Nicole Chaffey, Murrook Curator Director, will share impacts from the launch of Telling the Worimi Story ― an interactive multimedia installation that shares Worimi culture and Gathang language with visitors to the Murrook Cultural Centre. Since opening it has been recognised at the 2024 AMaGA Awards, 2024 National Trust Heritage Awards, 2024 Inavate APAC Awards and 2024 AVIA Awards.
Kandos Museum X Cementa Festival
Community-run Kandos Museum is a permanent home for stories, objects and photographs that preserve the town’s industrial and social history. Kandos Museum Inc. President, Buzz Sanderson, will share key learnings from participation in biennial arts festival Cementa.
Community Collections
Fairfield City Museum & Gallery Curator, Alinde Bierhuizen, will present on recent work to expand FCMG’s collection and programming to include and represent more local communities.
Breakout Session
For those attending in person, please select only one breakout session. The online broadcast will follow the breakout session, Object Interpretation.
1. Humidity and Mould Controls
Powerhouse Museum Conservators will present practical ways to control humidity in collection storage and methods to prevent, manage and remediate mould.
2. Object Interpretation
A collaborative session exploring interpretation and labelling for objects with complex histories led by Powerhouse First Nations and Publishing staff.
3. Powerhouse Castle Hill Tour
Behind the scenes tour of the recently opened Building J, led by the Powerhouse Collection and Conservation teams.