Eastern Riverina Arts transforms underused space into creative powerhouse

Eastern Riverina Arts is transforming Wagga Wagga’s historic Ambulance Station into a hub for regional creativity with the official launch of The Station Creative Workspace taking place 16th–18th May.

Developed by Eastern Riverina Arts, The Station addresses a critical gap - the lack of infrastructure and support networks for creatives living and working outside major cities. It offers writers, designers, event producers, entrepreneurs and artists a place to work, connect and create - without needing to relocate to Sydney or Melbourne.

Ashleigh Baxter, Executive Director at Eastern Riverina Arts notes “The Station is more than a local success - it’s a blueprint. This is a model that could be replicated in regional centres right across Australia — transforming underused spaces into creative powerhouses that fuel both culture and economic growth.”

A landmark cultural and economic initiative, The Station is now home to a vibrant community of artists, entrepreneurs, and creative businesses. It offers the infrastructure, visibility, and connections that regional creatives need to build sustainable careers close to home.

More than just a coworking space, The Station is designed to power a thriving creative economy in the Riverina. It also sets a national precedent for how underutilised spaces can be reimagined to support local talent, attract new creatives, and generate long-term cultural and economic growth.

What sets The Station apart is its game-changing model. It’s more than just a creative space - it’s a clever pairing of an under-utilised building, and an activation tenant that is a leading local arts organisation. At The Station, Eastern Riverina Arts takes the lead as programmer, connector, facilitator, and mentor, supporting the artists and creative businesses that call it home. Their role is vital to The Station’s success as a thriving creative industries hub - connecting creatives to audiences, opportunities, partnerships, and the wider community.

The impact is already visible. Since opening in 2023, The Station has hosted more than 10 exhibitions, 30 events, and over 200 workspace bookings. It has welcomed more than 3,000 visitors. The Station is now a vital anchor in Wagga’s creative ecosystem — encouraging collaboration, cross-sector partnerships, and public engagement with the arts.

Author, freelance writer and creative coach Gabrielle Tozer shared “In Sydney, I was surrounded by people in publishing. I didn’t expect to find that same sense of community in regional NSW - but through The Station, I’ve connected with artists, designers, musicians, and entrepreneurs who’ve inspired me in entirely new ways. A place like The Station is critical for creatives in regional areas. It helps combat isolation and reminds us we’re part of something bigger.”

As Wagga’s first dedicated creative industries hub, The Station houses The Ambo Gallery, artist studios, and anchor tenants including the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber - making it a unique meeting point for arts, enterprise and innovation.

Sally Manning, Business Manager at the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber adds “by providing access to affordable studios, exhibition and event spaces, industry networks and peer support, The Station is giving local creatives the tools to build lasting careers in a regional area.”

At its core, The Station reflects Eastern Riverina Arts’ vision: a future where creative careers are not only possible but prosper in regional Australia.

The launch weekend running from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th May, offers the perfect opportunity to explore The Station and connect with the creative community shaping the region’s future.

Across three days, visitors are invited to step inside the studios, meet the artists and creatives who call The Station home, and take part in a lively program of talks, networking events, and cultural celebrations. The weekend will also mark the premiere of a new exhibition in The Ambo Gallery, spotlighting the depth of talent working in the Riverina today.

EVENT DETAILS:
What: Launch of The Station Creative Workspace
When: 16th–18th May 2025
Where: The Station Creative Workspace, 54–58 Johnston St, Wagga Wagga NSW

Eastern Riverina Arts (ERA) is a regional arts organisation supporting artists, creative practitioners, and cultural activity across eight local government areas: Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Lockhart, Junee, Snowy Valleys, Temora, and Wagga Wagga. ERA delivers programs that stimulate creative enterprise, increase arts participation, and strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of the region. It is one of 15 Regional Arts Development Organisations (RADOs) in New South Wales and works closely with Regional Arts NSW, local councils, government agencies, and the philanthropic sector to expand opportunities for the region’s creative community.

ERA also manages Creative Riverina, an online directory that connects audiences with local artists, makers, and experiences. The organisation receives core funding from the NSW Government through Create NSW and administers the Country Arts Support Program (CASP), an annual grants program supporting grassroots creative projects throughout the region.

Images. Credit: Eastern Riverina Arts