”It’s in My Blood”, by Michael Scott Lees, claimed the People’s Choice Illumination Award at Jindabyne’s Lake Light Sculpture Festival in 2016 and later received the most votes in the 2020 online All-Time People’s Choice Awards. Photo: Michael Scott Lees.
Over four days across the Easter long weekend, the Lake Jindabyne foreshore will again be transformed into a majestic open-air gallery of sculptural art, where, by day, the works reveal intricate form, colour and texture, and by night glow in a luminous display of light.
Lake Light Sculpture Jindabyne is the Snowy Mountains’ signature autumn event and this year, from Friday 3 to Monday, 6 April, it celebrates a milestone 25 years, with visitors invited to experience more than two dozen large-scale works that shift and shimmer with the changing light.
For the small alpine town of Jindabyne, there is reason for the locals to raise their glasses to their festival’s evolution.
What started in 2001 as the Jindabyne Easter Festival, with the objective of “bringing art to the outdoors and lighting up the Snowy Mountains in a way that celebrates both creativity and community”, has evolved into one of the most anticipated cultural events in regional NSW.
Local artist Brad Spalding, known for his sculptural work and broader contribution to the Snowy Mountains creative scene, has been part of the festival’s story over a number of years.
His piece Raise One to the Old Jindabyne Hotel won the Illumination Award in 2021, one of many memorable installations that helped define Lake Light’s tradition of transforming works from striking forms by day to dazzling experiences by night.
Spalding said the initial festival concept was “simple and brilliant: bring together welders, stonemasons, carpenters, painters, sculptors — anyone who could turn a chunk of metal or wood into something that caught light and imagination”.
“It wasn’t about polish. It wasn’t about perfection. It was about connection — between craft and place, between maker and viewer, between fire and water,” he said. “And here we are, 25-plus years on. The event is still beautiful, still surprising, still wrapped in that cool alpine air.”
Over its quarter of a century, Lake Light Sculpture Jindabyne has increasingly drawn a rich mix of national, regional and local talent, complemented by regional schools and youth groups that contribute smaller-scale works, infusing the event with fresh ideas and energy.
And this year, the festival is offering its largest-ever prize pool, with $51,000 up for grabs across all award categories.
A headline $10,000 Major Award will anchor the 2026 program — marking the most significant single prize ever offered by the volunteer-run exhibition, while several new awards have also been introduced to better recognise local and emerging talent, including two Local Artist Awards for artists living in the Snowy Monaro region.
In other festival firsts, the People’s Choice Awards now cover both day and night exhibitions, and the Schools and Community Awards have been expanded to include both major and runner-up prizes, providing greater financial support for participating groups and encouraging stronger community engagement.
And, in response to artist feedback, Lake Light Sculpture 2026 will feature a dedicated Smalls Marquee — designed to highlight intricate and smaller-scale sculptural works — within the main event precinct.
A dedicated Local Artist Award within the Smalls category ensures regional creatives are celebrated.
Lake Light Sculpture chair Dani Kell said the expanded prize pool reflected the strength of community backing and the event’s growing impact.
The artist entry submission deadline has been extended to Friday, 6 March, allowing professionals, emerging practitioners and community groups more time to put their works forward.
“As we celebrate 25 years, it feels important to honour the artists who bring this exhibition to life each year — and to continue investing in creativity at every level,” Ms Kell said.
Speaking of investment, in 2025, one installation captured hearts so fully it’s become a permanent part of the town.
The Big Chairlift, a three-metre sculpture by Jindabyne artist Darragh Walsh, became a festival favourite, prompting local organisations and residents to raise funds in just four days to secure it permanently.
“To be honest, to have something as a permanent fixture in a public place is ultimately what I’ve always dreamed of,” Walsh said, reflecting on its enduring presence.
The 2026 program is encouraging fresh voices and creative risk-taking, offering artists opportunities to engage with the foreshore on site-specific terms.
Sustainability remains central, with organisers encouraging the use of renewable materials, environmentally conscious design, and site-responsive works that respect the foreshore and lakeshore environment.
Lake Light Sculpture’s influence extends beyond the foreshore.
Each year, tens of thousands of visitors attend, boosting the local economy during the shoulder tourism period between summer and winter recreation.
The 2026 festival will feature live entertainment from local legends The Hip Replacements and Studio 22 Dance school, plus fireworks and new evening activations designed to extend the experience across the wider park precinct.
Beyond simply viewing sculptures, visitors can participate in hands-on workshops, artist talks, and family-friendly interactive experiences, adding a dynamic, educational dimension to the festival.
The festival also acknowledges the Monero-Ngarigo people, the traditional custodians of the land, grounding the celebration of art in a broader cultural and historical context.
Volunteers, local businesses and sponsors play a vital role in the festival’s success.
For 2026, a $5000 grant from the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund supports expanded programming, improved visitor facilities, and the inclusion of new works, ensuring the event remains accessible and engaging.
Ms Kell said that local support had been crucial in bringing the 25th edition to life.
“Reaching 25 years is something we’re incredibly proud of,” she said. “Lake Light has always been about creativity, connection and place — and we’re excited to make 2026 a true celebration of that legacy.
“As we approach our 25th anniversary, we’re excited to create an even more memorable experience that celebrates creativity, connection, and the beauty of our alpine region.”
Lake Light Sculpture runs from 3 April to 6 April at the Jindabyne Foreshore. For more details, visit the dedicated website.
