The national award-winning North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) will operate as an independent event next year, after transitioning from Townsville City Council administration.
NAFA Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Welsh said the festival would continue to grow local artists’ capabilities and opportunities in 2025.
Mr Welsh said NAFA was first presented in 2019 and was now a three-time Australian Event Award winner.
He said last year it generated over $23 million in economic impact for the Townsville region and attracted more than 60,000 attendees.
“NAFA has grown from strength to strength since its inaugural year in 2019, and we’re proud to have been building towards becoming an independent body.
“Council has provided a much-needed springboard to be able to bring the NAFA vision to life, and the payoff has been well worth it.”
Mr Welsh said the NAFA team was dedicated to supporting North Queensland’s arts and culture community.
“We are focused on continuing to build on that momentum into 2025.
“We’re already looking forward to rolling out a strong festival in 2025 and beyond, continuing to embrace Townsville’s community and its artists as we develop into the future.”
NAFA 2025 will run from September 19 to October 4.
