Reflecting on 2024 and Welcoming 2025
Get Ready for the 2025 River of Art Festival!
Mark your calendars! The River of Art Festival is back from 26 September to 6 October 2025, bringing another vibrant celebration of creativity and community to the South Coast.
Following the success of the 2024 Festival, which commemorated 20 years of artistic expression, we are gearing up for another exciting program that showcases the best in visual arts, music, performances, workshops, and more.
A Look Back at 2024
The 2024 Festival was an unforgettable showcase of local talent, running for 11 days from Durras in the north to Bermagui in the south. With over 100 events, including 50 open studios and galleries, 15 workshops, 10 live music performances, a literary gathering, and a special screening of Bonnard at the Narooma Kinema, the festival truly had something for everyone.
As well as our Arts Trail and River of Art Prize we were proud to present Baranguba – a tale of Noorooma, a captivating performance by the Djaadjawan Dancers telling one of the stories of the First People of Noorooma
Presented with the support of CreateNSW, three performances were held over the October long weekend drawing nearly 600 people.
Congratulations and thanks to the many wonderful artists and performers – we hope to see you back in 2025!
With an estimated 15,667 attendees and a total regional spend of $30.2 million (a 24% increase from the previous year), the Festival not only fostered creativity but also boosted the local economy, generating sales and deepening community connections.
Feedback from visitors and artists alike highlighted the festival’s impact:
“It’s such a great opportunity for open studios and local artists. The vibe is wonderful – a true community celebration.”
“The Festival gave artists the ability to promote themselves their own way, through workshops, exhibitions, and open studios. It felt natural and organic.”
“A tribute to the volunteers who make it happen – such hard work and dedication!”
Narooma Oyster Festival
Don’t forget to book into the Narooma Oyster Festival 2-4 May 2025 where we’ll be showcasing creative artworks in the Pink Cube and co-presenting the Bioluminescence Project to light up Friday night with their amazing video projections. Bioluminescence will partner with students from Narooma High School to capture video from around the inlet and bring light and colour to the heart of the Festival.
Tickets on sale from Tuesday 5 February through the Oyster Festival’s website
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we enter our 21st year, the River of Art Festival remains committed to showcasing,
supporting, and growing the artistic community of Eurobodalla and beyond. Our mission is to foster a strong artistic culture, nurture local talent, and provide engaging creative experiences for all.
We are busy curating an inspiring program for the 2025 River of Art Festival, featuring beloved highlights alongside fresh and exciting experiences. Expect a dynamic mix of exhibitions, open studios, live performances, immersive workshops, night markets and thought-provoking talks.
The much-loved Arts Trail and River of Art Prize will again feature. The Arts Trail is an open and inclusive platform where artists, studios, galleries, and performance spaces host exhibitions, workshops, and live events across the South Coast.
Watch out for more information on
● An artist retreat on the south coast leading to an exhibition during the Festival.
● A creative hub zone including exhibitions, workshops, artist night markets and live music
● A literature event
● Live music and celebrations across the south coast
● Key exhibitions from the south coast’s leading arts groups
Stay tuned for program announcements, artist line-ups, and more ways to get involved.
Whether you’re an artist, performer, volunteer, or enthusiastic festival-goer, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Get involved!
Artists and performers: Program entries open in April 2025.
Art Prize entries: open in May 2025.
Volunteers: whether it’s helping with gallery installs or invigilations, putting up signs and posters, get involved! Contact us at volunteer@riverofart.com.au.
Sponsors and donors: Be part of the Festival and help bring the region’s creative vision to life!
Any ideas bubbling? Get in touch contact@riverofart.com.au.
For updates, visit our website and follow us on Facebook & Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter.
See you in 2025!
RIVER OF ART FESTIVAL Friday 26 September to Monday 6 October 2025
Your Support
We’ve been thrilled with support from sponsors and donors and volunteers who all make this Festival possible.
Please donate to the River of Art Festival. Being a sponsor or making a donation is a rewarding way to support creativity, innovation and help showcase the cultural strengths of the NSW South Coast region.
Your generous contribution will help us to:
Ensure the continuation of the annual River of Art Prize to promote and reward excellence in all forms of art
Profile local artists and their art through major events, promotions and our Arts Directory
Ensure the River of Art Festival benefits the artist community
Publicise creative artists and their contribution to an enriched cultural life in our region
Attract visitors to Eurobodalla and contribute to economic growth