About

Founded in 2004, River of Art has grown into one of the NSW South Coast’s most significant and enduring cultural events. Now in its 22nd year, the Festival continues to connect artists, audiences and place through a dynamic program that reflects the creative pulse of the region.

Each September, River of Art brings the South Coast to life — anchored by the highly anticipated River of Art Prize, which launches the Festival and showcases outstanding contemporary practice. The Prize has become a defining platform for artists, offering both recognition and opportunity within a regional and increasingly national context.

River of Art, a 2025 outstanding Visitor Experience finalist, works in collaboration with local Chambers of Commerce, arts organisations and communities across the region — spanning Durras and Batemans Bay in the north, Moruya at its centre, and Narooma through to Bermagui and Cobargo in the south. This strong network underpins the Festival’s reach and impact across the visitor economy.

Set against an extraordinary coastal landscape, River of Art presents a curated program that spans visual art, performance, music and creative experiences. The Festival has long been known for its Arts Trail – an expansive, region-wide offering that invites audiences to engage directly with artists and their work.

At its core, River of Art is artist-led, place-based and future-focused – committed to supporting creative practice, strengthening cultural infrastructure, and evolving to meet the opportunities of a changing landscape.

We invite artists and audiences alike to be part of this unfolding story – where creativity meets coast, and community shapes culture.