Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart has encouraged Illawarra residents to help shape the arts, culture and creative industries policy for NSW.

The A New Look At Culture discussion paper was released by Minister for Arts John Graham today.

The paper aims to identify what is working, what is not working and what will help the industry thrive in the future.

Eleven town hall meetings will be held throughout the state in an effort to seek feedback from a variety of communities.

The town hall meeting in Wollongong will be held on August 21.

Mrs Stuart said the Illawarra – in particular her Heathcote electorate – was home to a wealth of talented artists.

“There certainly is no shortage of creative people in the Illawarra region,” Mrs Stuart said.

“One of Illawarra’s most famous artists is of course Ahn Do.

“We also have actors such as the incredibly talented Deborah Mailman and David Field, who has starred in many movies including Two Hands.

“Acclaimed filmmaker and Screen Illawarra chair Nick Bolton also calls the northern suburbs of the Illawarra region home.

“I would encourage everyone to register for the Wollongong town hall meeting on August 21.”

To register for the Wollongong town hall meeting, visit here.