From our leading cultural institutions to the many arts organisations and businesses, there is much to be excited about.

Newcastle City Council both values and celebrates its collective cultural life.

Through culture we, as a city, tell our stories, from the earliest of Aboriginal settlements through to today.

Events, festivals, markets, exhibitions and performances are part of the community's life and contribute to the city's social and economic vibrancy.

The draft Newcastle Cultural Strategy 2016-2019 addresses the council's role in the growth and support of culture.

It prioritises the actions and resources and will provide support to the local arts communities in their own planning processes.

During April-May this year, council staff held a series of 11 formal interviews and six public consultations with the community.

More than 250 people participated, including audience members, artists and creative practitioners, historians, academics and key stakeholders.

These consultations shaped the vision for the draft strategy and the subsequent actions the council is proposing over the next four years.

The draft strategy is on public exhibition until Monday, September 28, and council invites you to have your say.

You can read the strategy at newcastle.nsw.gov.au.