Festival 2025
Since 2004, River of Art has become woven into the cultural fabric of the NSW South Coast – a Festival shaped by community, creativity and an enduring connection to place. Stretching from Durras in the north to Bermagui and Cobargo in the south, it brings together artists and audiences through a rich tapestry of exhibitions, open studios, performances, workshops and the celebrated River of Art Prize. Across towns, coastlines and hinterland, the Festival has created moments of discovery, dialogue and shared experience – supporting artists, inspiring audiences, and leaving a lasting imprint on the region’s creative life.
Overview – Chairs Report
2025 A milestone year marking 21 years of celebrating creativity, community, and cultural impact across the Eurobodalla. The Festival reflected the commitment to showcasing, supporting, and growing our local artists in the region that is outlined in our Strategic Plan 2025-29.
This year’s Festival reaffirmed the depth of talent, resilience, and creativity within our region. Over 11 days, more than 100 events — spanning open studios, exhibitions, workshops, performances, sculpture installations, and our flagship Art Prize — showcased the extraordinary diversity of local and visiting artists.
2025 embodied our grassroots spirit more than ever. Despite limited resources and a volunteer-driven structure, the Festival delivered a vibrant, ambitious program that generated significant cultural and economic value for the community, welcomed thousands of visitors, and strengthened Eurobodalla’s reputation as a creative destination.
Key Achievements
Art Prize
The River of Art Prize once again drew high-calibre submissions from across NSW and beyond, highlighting both established and emerging artists. We again broke records for participation which included submissions from all over Australia including the Northern Territory this is a testament to the inclusiveness of the Festival as a whole, this level of national participation is a development we are thrilled to see.
Arts Trail
The expanded Arts Trail was one of the strongest to date, with studios and venues from South Durras in the north, throughout the Eurobodalla to Bermagui & Cobargo in the Bega Valley Shire to the south taking part. Visitor feedback reflected strong engagement and an appreciation of the direct access to artists and their creative processes.
Major Events & Partnerships
Signature events such as Sculpture@TheClubHouse, a first time exciting collaboration with Sculpture Bermagui, the Magic Lantern Show at Narooma Kinema, and numerous satellite exhibitions and performances continued to grow our profile and deepen the cultural offering, special mention must be made to Helen Maxwell with her extraordinary line up of events held in the Durras Progress Hall.
Strategic partnerships — including Eurobodalla Shire Council, Community Bank Batemans Bay (Bendigo Bank), local businesses, tourism operators, and philanthropic supporters – played an essential role in enabling delivery and reducing financial pressure on the Festival.
Committee & Volunteer Contributions
Our achievements were possible only through the dedication of our volunteer committee, sub-committees and the many artists, residents, and supporters who contributed countless hours. This year also highlighted areas where we must continue to strengthen governance, role clarity, operational planning, and shared responsibility across the team.
I extend my sincere thanks to the Executive, sub-committee leads, event hosts, sponsors, community partners, and the volunteers who worked tirelessly before, during and after the Festival.
Challenges & Learnings
Like many regional festivals, River of Art faces ongoing challenges:
- capacity and workload within a small volunteer base
- rising operational costs
- constraints on venues, infrastructure, and logistics
- the need for sustainable funding streams
- maintaining consistent engagement and accountability across roles
Strategic Direction for 2026
The 2026 Committee steps into leadership at a moment of real transition.
The external environment has changed.
The funding landscape has shifted.
Volunteer capacity is under pressure.
This plan is not about maintaining momentum at all costs.
2026 will be a year of consolidation, clarity and considered growth. It is about making deliberate, informed decisions that protect River of Art’s purpose, people and future.
The incoming Committee inherits a legacy worth protecting and a future worth shaping.
River of Art has endured for 21 years not because conditions were easy, but because people stepped forward when it mattered. This is one of those moments. The choices made in 2026 will define what River of Art becomes, it asks for people who care, who think long-term, and who understand that leadership in the arts is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Marketing, Audience Growth & Community Impact
Strengthened marketing and media activity in 2025 supported audience growth and broader regional reach, contributing to measurable economic and community outcomes, as outlined in the following reports with thanks to Claire Caesar for compiling this data.
Closing
As we celebrate 21 years of River of Art, I am deeply proud of what our community has created. This Festival exists because of the passion, generosity and creativity of the people who give their time, talent and heart to it. Thank you for your continued support and belief in what River of Art contributes to the Eurobodalla and surrounding region.
Together we will continue to champion artists, inspire visitors, and strengthen the cultural and economic fabric of our region.