Arts and culture revamp promises to unleash creativity

The policy includes a Youth Creative Taskforce to advise the minister, and undertake a cultural space audit to identify underused infrastructure that could be allocated to the arts.

Policy goals also include enhanced cultural tourism in NSW, improved staging for music festivals and concerts, and better promotion of local cultural events.

The government will develop a business case for a second major film studio in Sydney and make Callan Park, a green community space on the Parramatta River, available for filming on an ongoing basis.

The plan will also require the minister to provide a "creative statement" to parliament every three years with details of the status, health and progress of the state's arts, culture and creative industries. 

Western Sydney will benefit from an investment to increase staff support for creative initiatives, and a $160 million commitment to cultural infrastructure in the area.

In regional NSW, the government will work with local councils to reduce red tape for festivals and events while supporting at least four new creative industries or artist workspaces in the regions over the next four years.

Arts Minister John Graham said the policy was a commitment to advocate with the whole of government for the value of culture and investment in it.

"This is where we're starting and where we're heading," he said.

"This is certainly not the end point, we want to unleash creativity across the state."

Creative sectors represent 10 per cent of the state's economy and Mr Graham hopes the policy will provide growth opportunities.

"A thriving cultural sector is welcoming for younger generations, the grass roots for the next generation of great artists, makers, creative thinkers and doers," he said.

"The drive for a thriving creative and cultural sector has a number of benefits and outcomes, including a more diverse and resilient economy."