EFTAG is famous for its incredible textile workshops and exhibitions during River of Art. Photo: David Rogers.
The River of Art Festival is back this spring, marking its 20th year of celebrating creativity, community and the stunning South Coast of NSW. From 27 September to 7 October, this milestone event will extend from Durras in the north to Bermagui in the south, offering almost 100 unique events across 11 days and 100 kilometres of inspiring coastline.
The River of Art Festival blends arts and awe in Eurobodalla, the heart of the South Coast. As you explore the festival, you’ll encounter more than just art – whales migrating along the coast, top chefs awaiting your order, baristas and vistas ready, and new discoveries each day.
The festival invites you to explore inspiring events and festivities, including open studios and exhibitions, where local artists showcase their work. Immerse yourself in performances that quicken the pulse, or unwind in workshops designed to ignite creativity and teach new skills.
A highlight of the festival is the River of Art Prize Exhibition, supported by the Narooma School of Arts. It opens to the public on 27 September at Narooma Gallery. The exhibition showcases entries from across Australia, with a strong contingent from the South Coast and Canberra. The quality of talent is exceptionally high, making the River of Art Prize a sought-after accolade in the regional arts community. The exhibition is open until 7 October.
Bernadette Davis of Castaway Textiles in Tomakin will open her studio doors during River of Art. Photo: Supplied.
This year, River of Art is excited to be bringing back the Salon des Refuses, hosted in the Narooma Gallery’s cottage. It is an alternative showcase featuring works that, while not selected as finalists, have nonetheless demonstrated remarkable creativity and artistic expression. Members of the public are asked to cast their votes for the People’s Choice Awards that will be revealed on Monday, 7 October.
The festival also proudly presents Baranguba, a captivating Djaadjawan Dancers performance that tells one of the profound stories of 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.
River of Art’s music offerings are heating up with everything from Conrad Sewell at Smokey Dan’s in Tomakin to the Golden String Quartet at Four Winds at Barragga Bay and St John’s Anglican Church in Moruya. The Casey Greene Quartet will take on the jazz greats at Bingie Pottery and live music will ring out in Bodalla with an open jam session. Bodalla will also experience the Catalina Clarinet Quartet at All Saints Church. Deep River Choir will perform in Moruya and Abby May will serenade shoppers in Narooma.
Multiple galleries will be on show throughout River of Art, from Durass to Bermagui, between 27 September and 7 October. Photo: David Rogers.
Mogo and Bodalla will shine with their own mini-celebrations. Bodalla will come alive on 27 and 28 September with open galleries, workshops, community events, and a live mural painting. Mogo Day on 6 October will offer activities and celebrations with 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. It will feature readings of contemporary poetry and short stories on Saturday, 5 October, thanks to River of Art and South Coast Writers Centre.
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 a vibrant and creative community.
The River of Art website lists a comprehensive program of events. You can even plan your itinerary online so you don’t miss a thing.
For more information and to plan your festival experience, visit riverofart.com.au. More events are being added to the program regularly.
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