For Adrienne Kenafake, the new CONVERGE creative project brings the opportunity to work alongside other artists and showcase local talent.
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Adrienne said living in a regional area meant people were often more dispersed, making it hard to make connections, and that was even more so after the flood.
She said the CONVERGE space helped build those connections and friendships.
"You're working in the company of others. Being in the presence of other people is really nice, and it's motivating," she said.
The space at 123 Woodlark St has opened as a Creative Enterprise Development Program - an innovative, inner-city, artist-in-residence and creative enterprises development program, that provides a space for 11 artists to develop and create art.
The project is funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority to support the arts sector in the wake of the 2022 floods.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the RA is working with stakeholders, like Lismore City Council, to identify ways to support economic and community recovery, and supporting the arts is a critical part of that.
"It's estimated that every dollar spent on the arts in NSW is worth $1.88 to the economy," she said. "And we have just seen with the LisAmore festival and Lismore Lantern Parade how much our arts events can lift community spirits.
"The Converge project is yet another way to promote our region as a place where creatives can thrive."
Mayor Steve Krieg said Lismore said Lismore was rebuilding after the flood and CONVERGE would add to the colour and bustle of Lismore, as well as bring positive economic outcomes through visitor spending.
"Supporting our creative community by enabling spaces to create and showcase work is crucial in fostering community connection," he said.
Aunty Thelma James used her Welcome to Country to highlight the importance of story telling through all forms.
Adrienne agreed, saying art allowed you to question what it meant to be human and to share those ideas with other people.
"Sometimes it's things you can't express through the written word. Or things that you can't express in any other way except through the visual world. It carries emotions, it carries stories."
Aaron McGarry and Stefanie Mirklis were excited to be involved in the new project.
"It's being able to have a space to express and collaborate and converge with one another," Aaron said.
Stephanie said it was a great opportunity to showcase local artists.
"We live in the rainbow region and it's a really colourful and diverse place. I think it's really exciting that we have the opportunity to bring some creativity back to the CBD and we're looking forward to seeing how this project unfolds over the next six months and really engaging with the community."
CONVERGE artists are: Michelle Gilroy, 'It's' - Scott Sinclair and Aaron McGarry, Karenza Ebejer, Matt O'Brien, Adrienne Kenafake, Antoinette O'Brien, Paul Walker, Annie Monks, Chris Lego, and Stefanie Miriklis.
