SeA eNews:
June | July | August 2026
South East Arts bi-monthly newsletter
Tika Robinson's works are on show until 12 July at Tura Beach, Moruya and Bermagui Libraries
Executive Director's summary
As we settle into winter, it's been wonderful to see the region buzzing. Everywhere I look, community noticeboards are a patchwork of creative endeavour — posters promoting festivals, workshops, exhibitions, performances and opportunities. It's a timely reminder of just how much is happening across the Far South East and how important it is that we continue to support and celebrate one another's work.
One of the highlights of recent months was the inaugural Bombala Art Prize: Colour in the Country, which SEA helped incubate with the Bombala Arts and Culture Group. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, supported, volunteered and participated in the event. It was incredibly rewarding to see the community embrace the vision for the prize and help establish what we hope will become a significant annual event for the region.
Congratulations to Terri Tuckwell, the inaugural winner of the Bombala Art Prize. We were delighted by the calibre of entries and the enthusiasm shown by artists and audiences alike and we ae already looking forward to next year's Bombala Art Prize. To stay up to date with announcements, key dates and opportunities, make sure you're following Bombala Art Prize on social media.
The inaugural Possum Prize was also a wonderful success. Congratulations to Jamara Nye, recipient of the Indigenous Prize for Roo of Fire, and Mia Kiss, recipient of the Youth Prize for The Two Heads. SEA was proud to partner with the Arts Council of Eurobodalla – Art Central Moruya to establish this exciting new creative opportunity for young people and First Nations artists in the Eurobodalla.
Over the past few weeks we've also seen wonderful events including Ephemeral Festival, WinterSun Festival, Peak Music Festival, Queerbodalla and Bokeh bring people together through creativity, culture and connection. Alongside these larger events are countless exhibitions, launches, gigs, workshops, open studios and community activities taking place across the region. Follow us on Instagram to keep up with what’s happening near you!
Looking ahead, we're excited for the launch of the Headland Writers Festival program on 27 June. Tickets for the launch event are available now at www.headlandfestival.com.au, with weekend, day and individual session passes going on sale from 27 June. If you're planning to attend, now is a great time to secure your place.
Winter message board filled with cultural happenings!
A Small EOFY Favour
If you've enjoyed attending an event, benefited from a workshop, received advice from our team, or simply value the thriving arts and cultural sector in the Far South East, please consider making an End-Of-Financial-Year donation to South East Arts.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible and directly support the artists, projects and creative communities that make our region such a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
You can make a contribution at Support South East Arts.
Looking forward to seeing you out and about,
Kate Bradbury
Executive Director, South East Arts
Support SEA: Support Creativity & Culture across South East NSW
SEA Creative Directory has launched!
We are thrilled to launch the SEA Creative Directory! We want Artists and Arts Workers from Snowy Monaro, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley to get listed. It is free to sign up and we can help you if you need.
How do I get listed?
Visit southeastarts.org.au/register
Register with SEA
Add your details in the form
Upload one great image that will capture the publics' attention
Submit!
Who is it for?
The SEA Creative Directory is designed specifically for the South East NSW regional creative community. It includes all artforms and creative industries and helps promote you and provide you with the right opportunities to build your creative practice.
Why sign up?
This searchable database can connect customers, galleries and funding bodies with our local creatives.
It can be used by creatives to find collaborators, peers, mentors and gallery spaces and producers.
South East Arts uses the Creative Directory to showcase the rich cultural fabric of our region. We will feature artists listed in the Creative Directory on our digital channels and our curated spaces.
There have already been collaborations and paid gigs as a result artists getting listed. Check out the people who have already signed up – we can't wait to see your profile live!
Snapshot of artists in the SEA Creative Directory
Gwiyaala Season: First Nations Art Exhibition
When: 11 May – 24 July 2026
Where: Bundian Way Gallery, 66 Bombala Street, Delegate
Cost: Free
More info: southeastarts.org.au/post/gwiyaala-season-first-nations-art-exhibition
South East Arts is proud to present Gwiyaala Season, a new First Nations exhibition celebrating today’s culture through a modern contemporary lens, with traditional concepts at the heart.
Curated and installed by SEA as part of our quarterly First Nations exhibition program, this vibrant showcase brings together powerful storytelling, connection to Country, and contemporary artistic expression.
We invite you to experience this beautiful exhibition and spend some time exploring the stories, symbols and creativity woven throughout the works.
Gwiyaala Season @ Bundian Way Gallery, Delegate
Headland Writers Festival 2026 Program Launch Event
When: Saturday 27 June, 7:00 PM
Where: Headland Theatre
More info & book tickets: headlandfestival.com.au/2026-launch-event
We’re proud to once again support the Headland Writers Festival, taking place over 23 - 25 October 2026 in beautiful Tathra. We have stacked the program with amazing authors, insghtful panalists and mesmerizing performers. Headland has established itself in the local calendar and is making itself known in the literary world.
Come to the Festival Launch to find out about authors, sessions, special events and when tickets will be available!
Panel discussion will feature Inga Simpson and Kate Liston-Mills
Hosted by Gabbie Stroud
Official opening of submissions for the 2026 Olga Masters Short Story Award
Image by Marcus Ward Curran 2025
Olga Masters Short Story Award 2026
Entries open: Sunday 28 June
Entries close: Sunday 16 August
More info & enter: olgamastersshortstoryaward.com
Submit your unpublished short stories (2000 to 4000 words) on the theme of life in rural Australia.
- First prize receives $1500 and publication
- Runner-up receives $500 and publication
Entries welcome from writers of any age that reside in Australia.
The winners will be announced at the opening of the 2026 HEADLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL.
Enter the 2026 Olga Masters Short Story Award
News and Opportunities for South East Creatives
Fred Leone meets Radio for Ghosts
Sunday 12 July 2PM
Four Winds, 17 Four Winds Rd Barragga Bay Bermagui 2546
$47 General Admission, $37 Concession, FREE 16&U
https://fourwinds.com.au/event/ghost-radio-windsong-sessions/
Fred Leone returns to Four Winds and joins forces with Leigh Roy Ryan (aka Plutonic Lab) to create Fred Leone & Radio For Ghosts - a striking soul music collaboration ahead of their debut album.
Fred Leone and Leigh Roy Ryan photographed by Nicole Reed
My Folly 2026 - solo show
New solo show by Juli Field in the Mitchell Gallery
17th June - 2nd August
'Blessing or Curse' by Juli Filed
Snowies and Beyond @ Raglan Gallery
Snowies and Beyond - new show by local artists Aimee Watson and Cath Sirett in the Tillers Gallery
17th June - 2nd August
flyer for the exhibition
OPENING EVENT - 8th Aug from 3pm
Raglan Gallery: 9 - 11 Lambie St Cooma
“I have had the pleasure of watching Wendy’s dedication to photography for many, many years and have always been impressed with her creativity, vision and professionalism. Wendy is dedicated to pushing the boundaries and evolving herself as a photographer" Simon Marnie, TV & radio presenter
exhibit flyer. ©Wendy McDougall
Basil Sellers Art Prize 2026
Submit your artwork by midnight Friday 11 September 2026
The Basil Sellers Art Prize is a major national Australian art prize, celebrating artistic excellence in 2D works across painting, drawing and printmaking. This acquisitive biennial prize supports artists at all stages of their careers, with a structure grounded in care, accessibility and generosity.
Janet Jones Lewis - Island Mangroves (2018)
FLING is searching for 25 Champions
25 Years: 25 Champions: $25,000.
Could you be a #FLINGchampion?
givenow.com.au/25champions
FLING Physical Theatre in Bega have consistantly provided in-depth professional opportunities to our young regional creatives. They have been providing this essential skills-based service for 25 years!
FLING Physical Theatre is now searching for 25 Champions to help raise $25,000 and support the next chapter of FLING.
If you or someone you know is a potential #FLINGchampion email FLING at enquiries@flingphysicaltheatre.com.au or donate at givenow.com.au/25champions.
Image supplied by FLING
Enter the 2026 River of Art Prize
Calling all artists: Entries are now open for the 22nd River of Art Prize
Entries Close: August 9
Exhibition: 25 September to 5 October 2026
Entries now open for the 22nd River of Art Prize, a national program presented as part of the River of Art Festival on the NSW South Coast. We want to see the work that matters to you right now - the ideas you're exploring, the stories you're telling and the creative paths you're following.
Artists and makers from across Australia are invited to enter. Finalist works will be exhibited during the 11-day River of Art Festival, providing a platform for contemporary art and creative practice. Open to all mediums, subjects and styles, the Prize offers more than $12,000 in prizes, awards and opportunities.
Venue Update:
The 2026 River of Art Prize exhibition will be presented at the historic Moruya Mechanics Institute, following a change from the originally advertised Narooma Arts Centre.
Dianne Jay - Rockpool - 2024 River of Art Prize finalist.png
River of Art: HAVE YOUR SAY
YOUR VOICE, YOUR FESTIVAL, OUR FUTURE
River of Art is inviting artists, audiences, volunteers, businesses and community members to share their feedback through an independent survey.
The survey takes around 9–11 minutes to complete, with all responses anonymous and analysed in aggregate. Your input will help shape the festival’s future.
Learn more about River of Art at riverofart.com.au
Image supplied by ROA
Amplify Marketing Masterclass
Time: 2pm – 5pm, Saturday 11 July 2026
Location: The Stereo Room, Bermagui
Cost: $200
Bookings: Limited to 12 participants
A three-hour workshop on low-cost, practical marketing for artists, creatives and community groups.
Learn how to grow your audience, improve your online presence and promote your work without a big budget.
Amplify Marketing Masterclass – Bermagui
Celebrate science, art & food at the Fungi Feastival
Fungi Feastival is on again celebrating the science, art & food of fungi. We have scheduled a variety of fungi art exhibitions and workshops across the Eurobodalla & Bega Valley, including:
Watercolour Workshop: Symbiotic Fungi — Painting Nature’s Hidden Connections 20-21 June at Eurobodalla Region Botanic Garden facilitated by Anna Voytsekhovich, a Botanist, Scientific Illustrator & artist.
Art Exhibition: Tika Robinson's ceramic fungi sculpture -12 June – 12 July at Tura Beach, Moruya and Bermagui Libraries
Art exhibition - Tracie MacVean: Fungarium - 16 June, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm at Bermagui Library
Check out the full Festival Program at fungifeastival.com.au/arts
Photo by @Ally Aitken Photography
Make Exceptional Work - Free Live Training
When: 8am - 11am Friday 19 June + Saturday 20 June 2026
Where: Live on Zoom
Register to attend: thedaringartist.com/makeexceptionalwork2026
A training for visual artists and makers ready and eager to make better work.
Presented by artist and artist mentor Amy Kennedy, founder of The Daring Artist.
Photo by Flore Vallery-Radot
Solstice & Songs: A winter solstice fundraiser
When: Sun 21 June, 2:00pm–5:00pm,
Where: Bermagui Mud Works, Bermagui NSW
Tickets: $30 (kids free)
More info / tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/solstice-songs
Winter solstice fundraiser featuring live local music, firelight, food and community at Bermagui Mud Works. Performances by Tim McMahon, Cody Munro-Moore, Neeyah and Lillian McVeity Band. Funds support Lillian McVeity’s debut album.
Poster by Neeyah Newcombe
Online Workshop: Business Essentials for Creatives
When: Monday 22 June, 29 June & 6 July, 10am – 12pm
Where: Online
Cost: $25–$50 per session (member and non-member pricing available)
Tickets / register / book: Register here
Regional Arts NSW CEO Tracey Callinan leads a practical online workshop series for artists, covering the essentials of managing a creative practice as a business and helping simplify admin so you can focus on making work.
Online Workshop: Business Essentials for Creatives
‘The Iliad Out Loud’ - A classic reimagined for our time
Show times: Sunday 28 June: 10am / 1pm / 4pm
Where: Four Winds | 17 Four Winds Road, Barragga Bay, Bermagui
Tickets: $47 General Admission or 3 parts for $120, $37 Concession, 16&U FREE
William Zappa (actor/writer), Hamed Sadeghi (oud/tar) and Sohrab Kolahdooz (percussion) come together to bring Homer’s epic tale vividly to life across three parts in a single day.
A great opportunity for aspiring performers to see internationally acclaimed artists or for anyone interested in history, literature, classics and live music.
Sohrab Kolahdooz (percussion) and Hamed Sadeghi (oud/tar)
Pierce Brothers, Film Club & FlickerFest!
Where: The Twyford Theatre, 16 Market Street, Merimbula
FLICKERFEST 2026
When: 7.30pm, FRI 10 & SAT 11 JULY 2026
FRI: Best of Australian Shorts
SAT: Short Laughs Comedy
Tickets: BOOK NOW
PIERCE BROTHERS
When: Sat 22 AUGUST 2026
Tickets: BOOK NOW
Celebrating its 35th year, Flickerfest, Australia’s only Academy® Award and BAFTA qualifying short film festival, and the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, screens the best of shorts from Australia and the world. Come to one or both nights. Fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Pambula. Legendary supper is included in your ticket - don't forget to buy your raffle ticket, drawn on the night!
PIERCE BROTHERS: Moonrise Album Tour
You saw them at Wanderer, now see them at The Twyford!
Melbourne indie folk outfit Pierce Brothers are taking their 4th studio album Moonrise on tour around Australia. In this first release of Aussie shows, the boys are excited to be coming back to some of their favourite venues in the country!
THURSDAY FILM CLUB
From 2 July 2026, films will screen at 7pm on the first Thursday of the month – Subscribe to The Twyford for regular updates on what’s on, plus get subscriber discount promo codes to buy tickets to selected events. Our next screening will be Gladiator on 2 July!
The Pierce Brothers will play at The Twyford on 22 August
Murrah FundRAVEr
When: Sat 11 July, 5:00pm till late
Where: Murrah Hall, NSW
Cost: $30 +bf
More info / tickets: events.humanitix.com/murrah-fundraver
This winter, we’re transforming Murrah Hall into a community-powered boiler room for a night of local selectors, deep grooves and good energy all in support of the hall that has brought people together for generations. Starting 5pm on 11 July, expect a stacked lineup of 9 DJs from Bega to the Bay delivering an intimate, immersive dance-floor experience.
There’ll be warming Murrah curries, raffle prizes from generous local businesses to be won, and Song for Bob merch available. Funds raised will go towards the ongoing maintenance of Murrah Hall and support future gigs.
Poster by Neeyah Newcombe
FAILURE - premiere season @ FLING
When: July 17 - 25
Where: FLING Studio, Eden St, Bega
Tickets: Limited availability - book your seat now!
FAILURE is a bold new contemporary performance work from FLING Physical Theatre, developed in partnership with renowned Australian physical theatre company Legs On The Wall.
Combining aerial dance and contemporary physical theatre, FAILURE explores the emotional and physical terrain of risk, expectation and the fear of getting it wrong. Performed by a professional cast of local and guest emerging dance artists, the work examines failure not as weakness, but as a powerful creative force. Exposing vulnerability, resilience, and humour in the instability.
Image Credit: Alex Davies
South Coast Readers & Writers Festival
When: Fri, 24 July - Sunday 26 July
Where: Thirroul District Community Centre and Library
Program: southcoastwriters.org/festival
Tickets: events.humanitix.com/south-coast-readers-and-writers-festival-2026/tickets
The South Coast Writers Centre is thrilled to announce our full program for July’s South Coast Readers & Writers Festival: South Coast Readers & Writers Festival — South Coast Writers Centre.
The 2026 program features more than 20 unique sessions on topics ranging from crime fiction, history, young adult literature, poetry, environmental writing, publishing, memoir, literary journals and more.
Featuring Evelyn Araluen, Antoinette Lattouf, James Bradley, Sulari Gentill, Michelle De Kretser, Tara Rae Moss, Kate Mildenhall, Andrew Pippos, Tim Flannery, Inga Simpson, Richard Glover, Kathryn Heyman, Debra Adelaide, Sara Haddad, Mark Tredinnick, Gary Lonesborough, Catherine McKinnon, Kate Holden, Judith Nangala Crispin, Aunty Barbara Nicholson and more.
South Coast Readers & Writers Festival 2026
A PLETHORA OF POSTCARDS
When: 12 June – 7 July 2026
Where: Spiral Gallery, Church St, Bega
Cost: Free - buy some art while you are there!
Congratulations to Spiral Gallery in Bega for a brilliant opening of the annual 'Plethora of Postcards' exhibition! Over 700 entries were received and the winners were announced at the opening on Friday evening:
Adult: 1st Chararni Ranasinghe, 2nd Alison Spurgeon
Youth: 1st Grace Blacka, 2nd Valentina Robinson
Youth emerging artist: Ivy Laird
Junior: 1st Freddy Johnston, 2nd OE June McManus
In The Garden: Adults Veronica O’Leary
In The Garden Youth: Stella Lawson
In The Garden Junior: Tilly Allen
Encouragement: Lucy Jurek-Macey, Alexander Monroe, Ivana Gattengno,
3D: Karen Sharpe
15 years: Rhonda Bradford
Image by South East Arts
bundjala djinama - group exhibition
Where: Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre, Moruya
When: Saturday 13 June to Saturday 18 July 2026
Opening days / times: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Cost: Free entry
bundjala djinama, meaning 'think and make' in the Dhurga language of the local Yuin people, brings together powerful works from Council’s collection alongside loans from Christina Kennedy, honouring culture, Country and continuing stories.
Artwork - Natalie Bateman
WILDFLOWER
When: 31 May – 10 July
Where: Mane & Tales, Bermagui
More info: maneandtales.com.au/exhibitions
An exhibition by Sara Freeman and Peter Jordan exploring connection, attention and the natural world. Freeman’s layered mixed-media works sit alongside Jordan’s reflective paintings, inviting audiences to slow down and engage with quiet, contemplative experiences of place and being.
Babylon, 102 x 76cm, acrylic on yupo paper, Peter Jordan
Snowies and Beyond - through two lenses
Official Opening: Sat 20th June from 3pm. Everybody welcome.
When: 17th June - 2nd August 2026
Where: Raglan Gallery, 9 - 11 Lambie St Cooma
Local artists in the Monaro region, Cath Sirett and Aimee Watson, will stage a new exhibition titled SNOWIES AND BEYOND - THROUGH TWO LENSES at the Raglan Gallery in Cooma. The artwork shows their love of the natural surroundings including animals, people and landscapes.
Image supplied by the Raglan Gallery
The Midwife's Palette - Lise Hetzel
When: Friday 10th July - Wednesday 5th August 2026
Where: Spiral Gallery, 47 Church St, Bega
Opening event: Friday 10th July at 4pm
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm
Is a collection of paintings and sculptures inspired by the intimate and transformative experience of birth as seen Through the Eyes of a Midwife.
Created by Lise Hetzel - a Midwife with over 30 years of experience, the artworks capture pivotal moments in the lives of women and their babies, revealing birth not as a clinical event, but as a deeply personal and empowering journey.
Artwork by Lise Hetzel
Susan Chancellor: Solo exhibition at M16 Artspace
Where: 21 Blaxland Cres, Griffith, ACT
When: 30 July - 23rd August
Opening event: 30th July
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 12-5pm
FInd out more at the M16 Gallery website
Artwork by Susan Chancellor
From Earth And Fire
When: Fri 7th August - Wed 2nd September
Where: Spiral Gallery, 47 Church Street, Bega
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm
A Spiral Gallery initiative presenting ceramics in all styles. Showcasing work by established & emerging ceramicists from the NSW Far South Coast region.
Supplied by Spiral Gallery
Firstdraft 2027 program callout
Firstdraft operates as a not-for-profit contemporary arts organisation. Each program has differing contitions and requirements.
Where: 13–17 Riley Street, Woolloomooloo
Closes: Wednesday, 22 July
More info: firstdraft.org.au/program-callout
2027 Exhibition Program @ Firstdraft
Firstdraft is now seeking proposals from early-career artists for our 2027 Exhibition program.
2027 ARI in Residence @ Firstdraft
Our ARI in residence program is intended to support artists and arts workers contributing to their communities beyond their own studio practices.
2027 Early-Career Curator Program @ Firstdraft
Our curator program is designed to support early-career arts workers and curators to deliver professional exhibitions.
Firstdraft Gallery in Woolloomooloo Sydney