THE ART OF CONNECTION

Tucked beneath the old Regent Cinema in the heart of Murwillumbah, M|Arts Precinct is one of those places that instantly pulls you in. It’s more than a creative hub; it’s a space where art, food and community come together under one beautifully reimagined industrial roof.

Once a mechanic’s workshop, the building still wears its history proudly. The concrete floors, roller doors and recycled shipping containers have been transformed into light-filled studios where creativity hums from every corner. It feels raw and unpolished in all the right ways — a space shaped by the people who use it.

Now home to more than twenty studios, galleries and food spots, M|Arts brings together a diverse mix of artists, makers and local producers. Step inside and you’ll find painters, jewellers, ceramicists, florists and musicians at work, doors open, tools out, and conversations flowing. It’s not a gallery in the traditional sense. It’s a working precinct, alive with energy and creativity.

Visitors are welcome to wander through from Wednesday to Sunday, meet the makers and see the process up close. There’s a certain magic in watching a jeweller at their bench or a potter at the wheel, and an even greater one in chatting with them about how it all comes together. It’s a reminder of why handmade matters — the skill, the patience, and the story that comes with every piece.

If you’re feeling inspired, you can dive in yourself. M|Arts runs workshops and short courses throughout the year — everything from printmaking and life drawing to pottery and jewellery. It’s a chance to get your hands dirty, learn something new, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the craft (and maybe a new hobby).

Between the studios, the M|Arts Café and Bar hums as the social heart of the precinct. Locals drop in for their morning coffee, artists take breaks between projects, and visitors linger in the creative buzz of it all. The menu keeps things simple and good: smooth espresso, matcha your way, flaky pastries and açai bowls to start the day. Later, it shifts gear with a neat list of wines, craft beers and the kind of vintage couches you could lose a few hours in.

Then there’s Bistro Livi, the small neighbourhood restaurant that’s made serious waves in the regional dining scene. Run by a passionate team with a shared love of food, wine and good times, it’s collected two Chef Hats and the title of Best Regional Restaurant in NSW from Gourmet Traveller. The food is thoughtful but unfussy, built around the seasons and served with genuine warmth.

Around the corner, Kat Harvey Cheese offers a boutique tasting experience and a chance to pick up handcrafted local cheeses and produce. Add a stop at Ben’s Patisserie for something sweet and you’ve covered most cravings without ever leaving the precinct.

As the afternoon winds down, the pace changes. Music drifts from the cafe and M|Arts transforms from creative workspace to after-hours hangout. The precinct regularly hosts pop-up exhibitions, artisan markets and live performances, with events ranging from drag bingo to speed dating, open mics and rummage sales. It’s the kind of space that adapts to whatever’s happening, always local and always interesting.

What makes M|Arts special is how unforced it feels. It’s not curated within an inch of its life. It’s real, a little rough around the edges, and completely in tune with the creative pulse of Murwillumbah. The artists aren’t tucked away behind closed doors; they’re part of a community that’s open, collaborative and proud of what they do.

Beyond the studios, the precinct has helped spark new life in the town’s centre. More visitors are finding their way to local cafes, shops and stays, drawn by the energy that M|Arts has created. It’s proof that creativity isn’t just good for the soul — it’s good for the local economy too.

Awards for business excellence and innovation have followed, but the real success of M|Arts is in how it connects people. Artists, locals, travellers — everyone has a reason to drop in, whether it’s for a coffee, a conversation or a piece of art made right in front of them.

Just half an hour from the Gold Coast and forty minutes from Byron Bay, M|Arts Precinct is an easy detour that delivers more than you expect. Come for the food, stay for the art, and leave with something made by hand — or maybe a spark of your own creative inspiration.

m-arts.com.au