For more than four decades, the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) has been a cornerstone of culture in the New England region. Established in 1983 to house the Howard Hinton Collection, the museum has since grown to hold more than 5,000 artworks and today presents over 30 exhibitions annually. But NERAM is far more than a gallery space. Each year, the museum delivers a program packed with exhibitions, workshops, festivals and public engagement activities. Director Rachael Parsons describes it as “a dynamic and engaging space for people to come together and experience art, music, performance and culture. ”The scale and ambition of NERAM’s program is striking for a regional town, and Rachael is quick to emphasise that it wouldn’t be possible without the combined backing of government, volunteers, donors, and, importantly, local business sponsors, like Roberts + Morrow.
This community story is proudly brought to you in partnership with Roberts + Morrow.
Keeping the doors open for everyone
Unlike many cultural institutions, NERAM is committed to remaining free to the public. Visitors can walk through the doors and enjoy exhibitions without paying an entry fee, a decision made to increase accessibility and inclusivity within the community.
“Running an art museum is expensive,” Rachael explains, “particularly when you’re committed to providing free entry. For that reason, we rely on a patchwork of funding, and we’re responsible for generating more than 60 per cent of our annual revenue ourselves. That’s where sponsorship becomes so important.”
Long-time supporter Roberts + Morrow has been a key part of this story. Their ongoing sponsorship has allowed NERAM to stage events that reach beyond the traditional exhibition, often drawing in new audiences who might not otherwise feel connected to the gallery.
From exhibitions to community celebrations
In recent years, Roberts + Morrow has supported a range of programs, from the museum’s Culture Club series to the New Collectors program. Most recently, they helped bring the Lost in Palm Springs exhibition opening to life.
“It wasn’t just a gallery opening,” Rachael recalls. “We created a Palm Springs-style party atmosphere, with live music, a pop-up bar, dress-up, and themed décor. Thanks to Roberts + Morrow, we could keep the event free for the community. People who might not normally attend an art opening came along and had a memorable cultural experience.”
That kind of accessibility is especially valuable now, Rachael says, at a time when cost-of-living pressures make tickets and memberships harder for many households to justify. “Sponsorship from businesses like Roberts + Morrow allows us to make sure nobody misses out. It means art and culture are something the whole community can share in, not just those who can afford it.”
Why local partnerships matter
Roberts + Morrow’s support goes beyond financial assistance, representing a broader commitment to strengthening community life in Armidale. By standing alongside the likes of NERAM, Roberts + Morrow helps ensure the region continues to thrive as a vibrant, creative place to live and work.
“Partnerships like this show what’s possible when businesses and cultural organisations join forces,” Rachael says. “They help us support local artists, provide platforms for musicians and performers, and deliver experiences that bring people together.”
NERAM’s collaborations with sponsors mirror the way the museum itself was founded: through a mix of government backing and a significant community fundraising campaign. Rachael adds, “That spirit of shared responsibility is still alive today. We wouldn’t be here without our partners.”
What’s on the horizon
Despite being well into the year, NERAM’s calendar is far from slowing down. November will see two major highlights:
- Black Gully Festival (Saturday 8 November): Delivered in partnership with local musicians, environmental groups and community organisations, the annual festival celebrates art, music, sustainability and community spirit. It has become a much-loved fixture in Armidale’s cultural calendar.
- Final exhibition openings of the year (Friday 14 November): Four new exhibitions will open simultaneously, including a landmark project developed in collaboration with an arts foundation in India. The show will pair Indian tribal art with Australian First Nations works, creating a striking cross-cultural exhibition years in the making.
A future built on community
As NERAM looks ahead, the museum remains deeply reliant on the support of those around it, from volunteers and donors to local businesses like Roberts + Morrow, whose sponsorship ensures that the arts remain an integral part of Armidale’s identity.
“We are so grateful for the support,” Rachael says. “Art and culture are a big part of what makes this region such a great place to live, and we simply couldn’t do it without our community behind us.” For Roberts + Morrow, that partnership reflects a shared belief in investing locally and leaving a legacy that benefits everyone. For the people of Armidale, it means continued access to exhibitions, festivals and experiences that inspire, connect and delight.
Meg Miller
Digital Marketing Manager. Adventure seeking writer, free spirit, smitten aunt and dog mum.
