Glen Innes Severn Council is inviting local musicians, artists, educators, creative practitioners, businesses and community organisations to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to be part of a new Glen Innes School of Arts and Music pilot initiative.
The pilot initiative is scheduled to commence from the week beginning 20 April 2026, aligned with the start of Term 2, and will be based in the former Severn Shire Council Building at 181 Bourke Street, Glen Innes.
The building, a Council-owned asset, is currently being repainted and prepared to ensure it is fit for purpose as a creative and community space.
These works are being delivered within Council’s existing asset repair and maintenance budget, with the initiative focused on making better use of existing Council assets only.
Council’s role in this pilot initiative is to enable the opportunity for the community by providing a suitable, accessible facility and supporting coordination.
The intent is not for Council to run programs, but to create a space where local people, organisations and creatives can deliver their own activities and initiatives.
Mayor Margot Davis said the initiative is about supporting community-led activation and ownership.
“We already have a strong and active arts and music sector in Glen Innes. This initiative is about creating the space and opportunity for that community to lead, collaborate and grow. Council is providing the building and enabling the environment, what happens within the space will be driven by those who step forward to use it,” Cr Davis said.
Council has also resolved to work with a community committee to help guide, manage and optimise the pilot.
The initial six-month phase will focus on establishing operations, strengthening coordination, and exploring the development of a digital coordination hub to support scheduling, communication and participation across users of the space.
The School of Arts and Music will operate alongside and in partnership with existing organisations and practitioners, including Glen Innes Arts Council, local schools, the New England Conservatorium of Music, local educators, musicians, artists and retailers, as well as visiting artists and industry participants.
Activities within the space will be shaped by community interest and may include music and arts lessons, workshops and masterclasses, rehearsal and practice spaces, small-scale performances, and classes across visual and performing arts.
Expressions of Interest are now open for those who would like to:
- deliver classes, workshops or creative activities
- run rehearsals, performances or sessions
- collaborate with others in the space
- partner as an organisation or provider
Council is encouraging anyone with an idea or interest in using the space to get involved. An official opening will be announced shortly, giving the community an opportunity to visit the space, see what’s on offer, and explore how they can participate, contribute or bring ideas to life.
Full details and the Expression of Interest form are available on Council’s Have Your Say website: https://haveyoursay.gisc.nsw.gov.au/glen-innes-school-of-arts-music
Media Release: Glen Innes Severn Council
