The 2023 North Australian Festival of the Arts (NAFA) has a $5.9 million direct impact on Townsville’s economy.
Statistics from the recently released NAFA Impact Report provided insight into audience attendance, ticket sales, patron experience, economic impact and more.
Deputy Mayor Mark Molacchino said the numbers highlight NAFA’s success.
“More than 52,000 people attended NAFA over the 24-day event, generating an economic impact of $17.9 million,” Cr Molachino said.
“NAFA is a celebration of art, community and culture and it is very encouraging to see it so well supported.
“Nearly 90 percent of participants rated the event as good or excellent, and how much they enjoyed the content and how it made them feel positive, included and stimulated their imagination.
“It also attracted people from outside Townsville, which had an economic impact on our retail shops, restaurants and hotels.
“NAFA’s impact goes beyond its economic stimulus to our city, and it has long been associated with its inclusion and accessibility.
“It was recently recognized for excellence in accessible tourism at the 2023 North Queensland Tourism Awards.
“Over 86 per cent support the council’s goal of making Townsville a well-known arts, sports, events and entertainment destination, and events like NAFA help achieve that goal.
„The report highlights the positive implications of NAFA for Townsville as preparations for the 2024 NAFA are well underway.”
Next year NAFA is expected to be even bigger and will run on new dates from September 26 to October 13.
Helpman Award-winning artistic director and co-CEO of DanceNorth Australia, Kyle Page, has joined NAFA as guest curator for the 2024 festival.
Mr Page said he was delighted to join the NAFA team next year.
“NAFA stands as the preeminent arts gathering in our region and continues to evolve year after year.
„NAFA’s commitment to Northern Australia’s cultural scene resonates deeply and I am delighted to be joining their incredible team to explore new frontiers of creative possibility in 2024,” he said.
Cr Molachino said there was still a lot to do across Townsville with NAFA still a year away.
„We have performances in our Civic Theatre, exhibitions in our galleries and activities in our libraries,” she said.
„To finish off the year we’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party on Sunday 31st December at the Riverway, The Strand and Magnetic Island.”
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