The River of Art Festival is back this Spring, marking its 20th year of celebrating creativity, community, and the stunning South Coast of New South Wales. Heading into week two, there is an exciting array of events and activities on offer up to and including Monday 7 October from Durras in the north to Bermagui in the south.

Across the River of Art, you can experience open studios, galleries, pop-up exhibitions, creative workshops, performances, and shows. From poetry  to painting, classical music to jazz, and everything in between, the festival offers something for everyone. Take the time to explore the coast and immerse yourself in our vibrant and creative community.

Many local businesses are moonlighting as art galleries this year and have shown great support to the festival. South coast artists have been preparing for River of Art for many months and the open studios really offer a chance to see the inside workings of the spaces where our Eurobodalla artists create. 

Local galleries are showing their support of local artists also and the range of artistic practices on show is testament to the diversity of our creative community. 

The River of Art website offers a handy itinerary building feature, where you can choose your own adventure by day, by event type or by location. It’s a great way to create your very own personalised art trail.

This year, the festival is very proud to present Baranguba, a captivating, hybrid theatre performance by the Djaadjawan Dancers that tells of a tragedy experienced by the First People of Narooma. Baranguba is a unique fusion of modern technology and traditional practices, conveying a story of resilience, pride, and strength that will touch the hearts and souls of all who attend. This performance is a highlight of the 2024 River of Art program and is presented with the support of Create NSW, now showing at Bay Pavilions in Batemans Bay,

Mogo is a must-visit destination for the long weekend, with Mogo Festival Day taking place on Sunday 6 October and including activities and a range of celebrations – enjoy a full day of street music, art displays, local cuisine, and special offerings from Mogo’s unique retailers—entry is free.

Indulge your love of words with a poetry workshop followed by a literary salon at the Monarch Hotel in Moruya, featuring readings of contemporary poetry and short stories on Saturday 5 October, thanks to River of Art and South Coast Writers Centre.

A key highlight of the festival is the River of Art Prize Exhibition, supported by the Narooma School of Arts and currently on exhibition at the Narooma Gallery. This year, River of Art is also excited to be bringing back the Salon des Refusés, hosted in the Narooma Gallery’s cottage, an alternative showcase featuring works that, while not selected as finalists, have nonetheless demonstrated remarkable creativity and artistic expression. The public are asked to cast their votes for the People’s Choice Awards, to be revealed on Tuesday 8 October.

Annika Romeyn’s watercolour monotype print “Passing Through” has won the prestigious River of Art Prize for 2024. Artist Cathy Laudenbach, of Moruya Heads, was the Runner-Up for her piece “What Remains, Remains”. Highly Commended was awarded to Katherine Boland’s image known as “Burnt Orange No. 1”. 

The River of Art website lists a comprehensive program of events and activities, links to ticketed events and a wealth of information on local artists.

For more information and to plan your festival experience, visit riverofART.com.au.