REGIONAL ARTS FUND: Dinner Party at the End of the World

21/05/2026 

Dinner Party at the End of the World was a multi-artform program held in 2025, inspired by stories of the Lismore floods. It was produced by Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) and consisted of a team of artists that led creative development projects, working with Northern Rivers residents. 

Artists and participants responded to the climate crisis through a range of performance practices, including theatre-making, play, improvisation, dance and text. Through this, they reflected on stories of community, resilience, and the ways people come together in a time of crisis. 

The projects had a significant impact, with economic, social and cultural outcomes that contributed to the resilience of the Lismore community.  

The project employed 65 artists across 10 creative development projects with a further 231 community members participating. 

82% of participating artists strongly agreed that it contributed to the development of their arts practice or business and 79% said it helped them gain new skills. 100% of participants and artists also agreed that the project was important for the local area. 

As a result of the project, 10 new creative works are now being developed with two of the creative responses resulting in short films.  Through the voices of the project’s artists and collaborators, the accompanying documentary series produced highlights NORPA’s signature approach to making new Australian theatre that is deeply grounded in Country, community, and collective storytelling. 

Artists also made the following statements, highlighting the cultural impact of the project: 

“I felt the most valuable aspect was connecting with NORPA and with artists in the Northern Rivers community! It was so excellent making work where I grew up, and reconnecting with community and organisations that I first encountered when I was younger. It was also so awesome sharing a workshop with locals.” 

“I loved seeing how many different interpretations/imaginings happened (artistically) from the same prompt. There was something soothing about the differences and the possibilities, like there will not be one answer or one way, at the end of the world.” 

“Being supported to work with other First Nations artists/friends in the region meant we got to see how we work together and how we bring our unique perspectives together and to this project” 

Socially, 97% of participants agreed the project helped them feel connected to the people in the community, 91% strongly agreed that it was important the project was happening here, 87% agreed it had a positive impact on their mental wellbeing and 91% agreed it made them feel positive about the community’s future. This shows the wider impact on social cohesion and wellbeing in the face of environmental disaster and climate change.  

“I hope we can show people that no matter what happens, we can build a better future together. The end is also the beginning and I’d love to paint a picture of what could be that doesn’t instil fear but rather hope in our collective humanity. It’s up to artists to show humanity how to change the world. We have to show what’s possible and Lismore did that,” one artist stated.  

Dinner Party at the End of the World is a testament to the importance of supporting regional creatives, who play a crucial role in cultivating social, economic and cultural cohesion and wellbeing, particularly in response to climate change. The project also shows us that the arts have significant potential to help communities recover from natural disaster.  

This project was supported by the Regional Arts Fund, part of the Australian Government’s Arts and Cultural Development Program managed by Regional Arts Australia. Regional Arts NSW administers this grant in NSW and is proud to have been involved in making this project happen. 

Learn more about Dinner Party at the End of the World here.

You can also watch the documentary series, Dinner Party at the End of the World, here.

Cover Image: SPRUNG DANCE THEATRE ENSEMBLE WITH  Ensemble members involved include Tallula Bourne, Alice Boscheinen, Tara Coughlan, On Gamolnet, Max McAuley, Zachary Misfud. Photo by Tajette O’Halloran.

SPIRIT OF THE THRESHOLD RIVER WITH JADE DEWI TYAS TUNGGAL, Janessa Duffy and Stuart Shugg.  Image by Tajette O’Halloran.