Over the years the lifestyle and climate of the region have attracted a substantial population of art and design professionals.
The full range of artistic pursuit from film making to glass blowing, from painting to furniture making, from the written words to music is practised and perfected in the Shire.
Arts Northern Rivers is the peak body for the arts and cultural sector in the region.
Bangalow-based Northern Rivers Screenworks is the film industry office for the region, driving a significant cluster of film industry professionals. The further growth of this sector is expected as an evolving supporting infrastructure matures. More information about filming in Byron Shire is available.
The recent emergence of supportive technologies and the advancement of high-speed communication have improved the prospects for the technology-driven segments of the creative sector.
Public and private galleries in regional and villages display and sell all forms of regional arts and crafts.
A wide range of events celebrate the regional appetite for the arts. In Byron Shire, signature events include the Byron Bay Writers Festival, the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival, Splendour in the Grass and the FEHVA/Fourty Eight Hours of Visual Arts.
Writers are well supported by the Northern Rivers Writers Centre located in Byron Bay.Council is presently finalising a Cultural Plan that will guide its activities in support of the arts and creative industries.