Main streets to come alive after dark in new Arts North West initiative

21st Jul 2026

Regional town centres will be transformed into vibrant after-dark destinations this August as Arts North West launches its new creative placemaking initiative, When Main Streets Dream – A Night of Light, Projection and Creative Placemaking.
The free community event will see Fitzroy Street Plaza in Tamworth illuminated from 6.30pm on Saturday, August 8, before moving to Beardy Street Mall in Armidale on Friday, August 14.
Presented through the Arts North West Sustainable Communities Program, the project uses large-scale projections, creative lighting, temporary installations and interactive experiences to reimagine familiar public spaces. Rather than a traditional arts festival, the initiative aims to demonstrate how creativity can revitalise regional CBDs, encourage people into town centres after dark and support local businesses.
Six artists from across the New England North West have been commissioned to create original, site-specific works responding to the architecture, history and identity of each town. The creative team includes Nick Hunt, Daniel Stanley, Logan Hughes, Ethan Lazinos, Daniel Elliott and Pat Harris, whose expertise spans animation, digital media, projection, immersive technologies and contemporary visual arts.
A highlight of the Tamworth event will be a large collaborative projection created by students from Tamworth Art Academy under the guidance of artists Daniel Stanley and Logan Hughes. Through workshops, students have explored animation, digital media and projection techniques before seeing their work displayed publicly.
Arts North West Executive Director Lauren Mackley said the project invited communities to experience their town centres in a new way.
“When Main Streets Dream is about seeing our main streets differently,” Ms Mackley said.
“These spaces are the social and economic heart of our communities, and creativity has the power to transform how people experience them. Through light, projection and immersive public art, we’re inviting people to rediscover their town centres after dark and experience them as places of imagination, connection and celebration.”
She said the initiative also supports regional artists through paid commissions while encouraging collaboration between creatives, councils, businesses and communities.
“Creative placemaking has the ability to increase visitation, strengthen local identity and create memorable experiences that people want to return to,” she said.
Arts North West is one of eight organisations nationally to receive funding through the 2026 Visa Vibe Grants Program, sponsored by Visa and delivered by Mainstreet Australia. Each successful project received $25,000 to support innovative night-time economy initiatives.
Visa Country Manager for Oceania Alan Machet said vibrant evening experiences help strengthen local economies by increasing foot traffic and supporting small businesses.
Unlike permanent public artworks, When Main Streets Dream has been designed as a one-night-only experience in each location, creating a unique shared event while leaving a minimal environmental footprint.
Admission is free, with community workshops and interactive activities planned throughout both evenings. Full program details will be announced through Arts North West’s website and social media channels.

Going strong for 100 years

Phone	(02) 6779 2347
Email	Contact Us
Social

Main streets to come alive after dark in new Arts North West initiative

Menu

News

Contact