River of Art is once again looking forward to connecting artists and audiences across the region with a scaled back creative program for 2026, while commencing community consultation to shape the Festival’s future.

After more than two decades as a key feature of the annual program, the much-loved Arts Trail will pause for the 2026 Festival while the organisation reviews the model and considers how it can best serve artists, audiences and the broader arts community going forward. 

The volunteer-led committee will use 2026 as an opportunity to reflect, consult and strengthen the framework that supports future festivals and ensures its long-term sustainability. While River of Art has always been powered by extraordinary community goodwill, the scale and expectations of the event now require structures and resources that extend beyond volunteer enthusiasm alone. Like many regional arts events, River of Art is also navigating a changing funding landscape, making this an important moment to review how the Festival can remain viable into the future.

As part of the review process, River of Art will undertake independent research through a sector-wide survey designed to gather insights from artists, venues, businesses, audiences and supporters. The findings will inform an open community forum to follow, where Art Trail participants will be invited to contribute ideas and perspectives on the Festival’s direction. Together, this process will help shape a more sustainable framework that responds to the contemporary needs of the South Coast arts community and considers the role River of Art can continue to play within the region’s cultural landscape.

The first River of Art activation for 2026 will take place at the Narooma Oyster Festival this May, presenting a curated showcase of local artists from the most recent River of Art Prize. This exhibition continues River of Art’s commitment to celebrating outstanding contemporary practice while connecting art with the region’s vibrant cultural and tourism events.

The 2026 Festival program will centre on the highly regarded River of Art Prize, the Festival’s flagship exhibition 25 September – 5 October, to be hosted by the Narooma School of Arts in what will be the newly completed Narooma Arts Centre (NAC). This purpose-built contemporary arts space will provide a professional gallery setting and an inspiring environment in which to showcase outstanding works. River of Art is delighted to collaborate with Narooma School of Arts on this exciting opportunity and warmly invites artists to be part of the exhibition, with entries opening in June 2026.

Additional curated activations will be presented as funding and opportunity allow, ensuring artists and audiences remain connected through the Festival’s creative program.

River of Art remains dedicated to supporting artists, fostering creative exchange and contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the region.

Further details regarding the survey and forum dates will be announced in the coming months.

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