Burnie’s Arts and Cultural Story
When the Burnie Civic Centre opened in 1976, it became Tasmania’s first purpose-built, fully professional regional arts centre. Renamed the Burnie Arts & Function Centre (BAFC) in 2009, it has long been a vibrant hub for performances, community events, and visiting artists at the heart of Burnie’s Cultural Precinct.
Since 1978, the Burnie Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) has housed a nationally significant permanent collection, with a strong focus on works on paper that celebrate Burnie’s papermaking heritage. This legacy continues through the Burnie Print Prize, introduced in 2007, now one of Australia’s most prestigious and valuable printmaking awards.
The Burnie Regional Museum (BRM) captures the spirit of Burnie’s early years through immersive exhibits such as Federation Street, recreating scenes from the 1800s. In 2022, the museum’s collection grew with The Advocate Gift, over one million photographic negatives documenting decades of life across the region.
Community arts thrive through groups such as the Burnie Coastal Art Group, which offers exhibitions, workshops, and classes at Studio 2 Eleven, and stARTs (formerly the Burnie Arts Council), the founding branch of Tasmanian Regional Arts. stARTs continues to foster local creativity through exhibitions, performances, and the renowned paper on skin competition, celebrating innovative uses of paper and Burnie’s deep connection to its papermaking history.
Burnie proudly holds the title “City of Makers”, reflecting its strong tradition of craftsmanship and creativity. From local artisans to innovators at The Makers - Technology and Innovation Hub, Burnie’s creative spirit continues to evolve through art, design, and modern manufacturing.
The city’s character is further defined by its Art Deco and Federation-style architecture, enhanced by murals and sculptures that transform the streets into an open-air gallery. Festivals such as Ten Days on the Island, which established its northwest base in Burnie in 2017, reinforce Burnie’s role as a cultural destination.
Burnie’s performing arts and music scene are vibrant and diverse, led by groups such as the Burnie Musical Society, Encore Performing Arts, Domaur Productions, Reflexions Dance Studio, Emusicians, the Burnie Concert Band, the City of Burnie Brass Band, and the Burnie Pipe Band, each contributing to the city’s creative energy and community life.
In 2025, the new Burnie Arts Centre opened following a major redevelopment, uniting art, history, performance, and community events under one roof. The revitalised facility features a refurbished gallery, Long Room, theatre, Town Hall, bar, and café, along with significant accessibility improvements. This transformation strengthens Burnie’s position as a regional hub of creativity, innovation, and inclusion: a true celebration of the arts and the community that sustains them.