South Coast Arts

10/06/2026

What’s changed for arts and culture in regional Australia over the past decade?

In 2017, Lindy Hume described regional creativity as the stirrings of a “restless giant” — a growing force ready to reshape Australia’s cultural landscape.
Nearly ten years on, join one of Australia’s most respected arts leaders, directors and cultural thinkers for a conversation exploring what has changed, what challenges remain, and where regional arts and culture might be headed next.

From major festivals and opera companies to community-led cultural practice, Lindy brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of leadership across Australia’s arts sector and more than 20 years living and working in regional Australia.

Whether you’re an artist, creative worker, arts organisation, community leader or simply passionate about culture in our regions, this is a conversation not to miss.

📅 Wednesday 8 July
🕠 5:30pm – 7:30pm
💻 Online

Free to attend. Register now

Lindy Hume joins us to discuss what has changed or evolved for arts and culture in regional Australia

18/05/2026

If you're 18-25 and curious about building a career in film making, a competition by Gerringong Pics and Flicks Association could be for you.

Partnering with Screen Illawarra, Gerringong Pics and Flicks Association is offering two young adults who live in Kiama or the Shoalhaven the opportunity to win an adventure of a lifetime exploring exactly that.

Screen Illawarra board member Janys Hayes said the application process starts on the Screen Illawarra website and is easy. What they are looking for are clear ideas expressing how your film, no script required, will benefit the community in any way.

“The winners will have to be people who are passionate about their projects, otherwise how are they going to actually do this over this amount time and produce this film? So it’s passion and creativity that we are really looking for,” Dr Hayes said.

Applications close Friday 29th May.

17/05/2026

After nearly 10 years getting public health and council approvals, a natural burial ground on the NSW south coast begins letting people have a simpler, more environmentally friendly farewell.

17/05/2026

13/05/2026

Max Dupain's iconic photo The Sunbaker is the most reproduced photograph in Australian history and was shot during a camping trip to Culburra Beach in the late 1930's. Author of Max Dupain: A Portrait Helen Ennis joined Stefan Posthuma on Drive to bring us the story behind the image.

12/05/2026

🚨 THE DEADLINE PARTY PARTY 🚨
What happens when creatives stop waiting for the “right time” and finally commit to making the thing?
For the last six weeks, artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, illustrators and creative thinkers from the South Coast and beyond have been tackling procrastination, overthinking, avoidance, and creative paralysis head-on.
And now… they’re showing the results.

🎉 THE DEADLINE PARTY 🎉
A live online showcase where each creator has just 5 minutes to present the project they finally brought to life.
Register Now — https://events.humanitix.com/deadline-party-the-great-unveiling

You’ll see:
🎭 New theatre work
🎨 Painting and installation
🎬 Film scripts
📚 Novels and children’s books
🎶 Songwriting systems
🖋 Mixed-media storytelling
…and more.

This isn’t polished “success story” culture.
It’s real creatives making space for creativity again, supporting each other to finish things, and sharing what happened when they finally put the work front and centre.
✨ Hosted by Freelance Jungle

Come celebrate the courage it takes to actually finish something.

10/05/2026

✨ NOW OPEN: The Windmill Trust Scholarship ✨

The Windmill Trust Scholarship for regional artists is now open for applications.

Established in 1997 in memory of the artist Penny Meagher, the emphasis of the Windmill Trust Scholarship is to support visual artists from regional NSW to take up career development and/or presentation opportunities for their work.

One individual or group will be awarded up to $10,000 to contribute to the cost of:
➡ Exhibiting work, including space rental, artist fees, travel, documentation
➡ Professional development and education
➡ Independent artistic research or practice including studio fees, residencies and travel

⏳ Applications close Friday 13 July 2026, midnight AEST.

RANSW will also run two online Q&A workshops for applicants to answer any of your questions regarding eligibility, the application form, budget or support materials, and provide grant writing support to artists wanting to apply.
➡ Friday 22 May, 11am via Teams
➡ Friday 3 July, 11am via Teams

🔗 Learn more & apply:

📸 Shan Turner Carroll, I love you, 2026, photography/sculpture, Archival ink jet print, 130cm x 87cm. Photographed on Wonnarua Country NSW. Winner of the 2025 Windmill Trust Scholarship.

07/05/2026

Kiama Council has proposed cuts to arts, cultural, and community services as part of its 2026/27 budget.

While the proposed reduction to South Coast Arts funding is relatively modest, the broader cuts to cultural development and community support services would have long-term impacts across the region.

These aren’t just line items in a budget. They are the people, programs, and resources that help communities connect, create, and participate in local cultural life.

In 2025, South Coast Arts supported projects, partnerships, mentoring, accessibility initiatives, and community creative programs throughout Kiama and the wider region.

This included support for:
— Local creative practitioners
— Young people
— First Nations creatives
— Inclusive community creative programs
—and accessible creative opportunities.

If arts, creativity, and community connection matter to you, please consider making a submission or contacting Kiama Councillors directly.

A short, personal message can make a real difference.
Follow the link to make a submission
https://southcoastarts.org.au/funding-cuts-2026/

06/05/2026

What does it really mean to listen?
South Coast Arts invites you to an online Creative Gathering with Blake Cansdale (ANTAR National Director) exploring truth-listening as a cultural, political, and deeply relational act.

An evening of listening, reflection, connection, and conversation — centred around the role creativity and community can play in reconciliation and genuine engagement.

📅 Wednesday 13 May, 5:30pm–7.00pm
💻 Online

🎟 Free / Pay What You Feel
https://southcoastarts.org.au/projects/creative-gatherings/

Exploring truth-listening as a political, cultural and deeply relational act that is critical to any genuine pathway towards justice for First Nations people