Local artists across the Hawkesbury will have greater opportunities to exhibit their work following changes to the long-running Hawkesbury Now exhibition program at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery.
For more than a decade, Hawkesbury Now has showcased the creativity of the region's artists, art societies and community groups. Since its inception in 2014, the annual exhibition and art fair has become one of the area's most anticipated cultural events, providing a platform for local talent and strengthening connections across the Hawkesbury's vibrant arts community.
Now, Hawkesbury Regional Gallery is expanding the program to make it more accessible to a broader range of artists.
From 15 June, the Gallery will introduce a new Expression of Interest (EOI) process, inviting all artists living within the Hawkesbury Local Government Area to apply to exhibit their work. The new approach will include both members of established art societies and independent artists who have a strong connection to the region.
The move replaces the previous model and aims to ensure all artists are assessed through the same open and transparent application process.
Gallery representatives say the changes follow consultation with local arts organisations, exhibiting groups and independent artists, as well as a review undertaken in line with Hawkesbury City Council's Cultural Plan.
The expanded program is expected to create new opportunities for emerging and independent artists who may not be affiliated with one of the region's established art groups but are producing high-quality contemporary work.
Over the years, Hawkesbury Now has worked closely with a range of local creative organisations, including the Ferry Artists Gallery, Friends of Hawkesbury Art Community and Regional Gallery (FOHAC), Hawkesbury Artists & Artisans Trail, Hawkesbury Camera Club, Hawkesbury Community Arts Workshop, Hawkesbury Remakery, Macquarie Towns Art Society, Piggery Lane Studios & Gallery and TAFE NSW's Media, Arts, Design and Entertainment (MADE) program.
The exhibition has become a celebration of the region's diverse artistic talent, featuring everything from painting, photography and sculpture to mixed media, textiles and contemporary installation works.
The introduction of an open EOI process is expected to further broaden that diversity, providing opportunities for artists working across a wider range of disciplines and creative practices.
For many local artists, exhibiting in a professional gallery environment can be a significant career milestone, providing exposure to new audiences, potential buyers and opportunities to connect with other creatives.
Applications for the 2026 Hawkesbury Now program open on Monday, 15 June and will remain open for six weeks, closing on Sunday, 2 August.
Artists interested in participating are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and application requirements through the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery website.
As the Hawkesbury's arts sector continues to grow, the changes signal an exciting new chapter for one of the region's flagship cultural programs and reinforce the Gallery's commitment to supporting local creativity.
For more information or to submit an application, visit the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery website.
