The Cad Factory

26/04/2026

In partnership with the Spencer Family and Western Riverina Arts, we’re proud to announce that the 2026 Joyce Spencer Textile Awards are now open!

Now in its sixth year, the awards are named in honour of textile artist Joyce Spencer (1928–2019). They are awarded annually to support regional NSW textile artists or collectives to deliver new artworks or exhibitions.

Applications will close on Friday 19 June 2026 at midnight.

Learn more and apply here:
www.cadfactory.com.au/joyce-spencer-awards

Photo courtesy of James T Farley

16/04/2026

River reflections 🌀 for over a decade, waterways have shaped our work – not just as landscapes, but as living sites of collaboration, cultural significance, and environmental concern, held as a relation rather than a resource.

Across 12 major Cad Factory projects, we have brought people together with rivers, including First Nations custodians, artists, communities, scientists, and researchers, each engaging with the stories, challenges, and possibilities held within these waters.

As we reflect on past projects, we also look ahead to our next major work, River Stories. This is our most ambitious project yet, spanning three states and unfolding across multiple Murray–Darling locations. We’re currently in the early stages and look forward to sharing more as the project takes shape.

Images:
1. ‘On Common Ground’ (2015). Photo courtesy of James T Farley
2. ‘Wirramarri: Long Way from Home’ (2021). Photo courtesy of Jackie Cooper
3. ‘Buckingbong to Birrego: A Walk of Healing and Hope’ (2013). Photo courtesy of Jacob Raupach
4. ‘Pangala: Returning Home’ (2023). Photo courtesy of Jackie Cooper
5. ‘River Country’ (2024). Photo courtesy of Vic McEwan
6. ‘Shadow Places’ (2017). Photo courtesy of Jackie Cooper

08/04/2026

We’re excited to celebrate the announcement of the first cohort of artists for the Practice in Community initiative.

Congratulations to Caddie Brain, Samara Cunningham, Rona Glynn-McDonald, Colleen Hughson, and Fiona Wirrer-George Oochunyung.

Practice in Community is a multi-year initiative co-presented by Regional Arts Australia and Minderoo Foundation, supporting independent artists in regional Australia with the time, trust, and resources to deeply embed their creative practice within their communities.

We’re proud to share that The Cad Factory is the official mentor partner! This program is an incredible investment for regional artists, and we’re thrilled that we can play a part in supporting work that creates lasting impact in regional communities.

Congratulations again to this incredible group of artists. We’re looking forward to learning more about your practices and supporting your journeys over the next two years.

Practice In Community is designed and delivered by Regional Arts Australia, supported by Minderoo Foundation.

29/03/2026

Just like that, we’ve doubled in size since last year!

Welcome Adele Packer, our new Cad Factory Storyteller. Adele is an arts worker with over a decade of experience across design, education and programming, committed to empowering and connecting communities through purposeful, care-driven projects.

And we’re excited to introduce Mel Penicka-Smith, River Stories Producer, bringing 35 years’ experience in performing arts and events. Mel has a passion for working with community, and an interest in how music and storytelling combine to enrich our experience and act as a force for change.

28/03/2026

The Joyce Spencer Textile Awards are opening 🔜

The Joyce Spencer Textile Awards are offered annually to support regional NSW textile artists or collectives to deliver new artworks or exhibitions. Named after the textile artist Joyce Spencer (1928 – 2019), the awards are made possible with funds from the Spencer family and Western Riverina Arts, in partnership with the Cad Factory.

Applications for Round 6 will open Monday 27 April 2026 for projects delivered between July 2026 and December 2028. This year we are offering three prizes:

$4000 Fellowship ⭐
$1500 Highly Commended 👏
$600 Prize 🏆

Photos:
1. Amy Hammond, Round 5 Highly Commended Award Recipient. Photo courtesy of Jacquie Manning for the Sydney Opera House Uncovered program
2. Amy Hammond, CROWN BUGALAA, 2021. Photo courtesy of Tamworth Regional Gallery
3. Peggy Zephyr (Round 5 Fellowship Co-Recipient), Stand STILL and Rot, 2025. Photo courtesy of the artist

19/03/2026

The Cad Factory team is growing!

Welcome Caitlin Gibson, our new Socially Engaged Art Producer. With over a decade of experience, Caitlin specialises in community-engaged arts that inspire impact and foster a more just, sustainable society.

And congratulations to Kimberley Beattie on her new Assistant Producer role. Kimberley believes in the unifying power of storytelling across time, distance, and culture. After nine years as Office Manager and Project Assistant, she is now full-time in a split role as Office Manager and Assistant Producer.

11/02/2026

So powerful to share this work on an international stage
Barb Quayle Chez Bates Blore David Doyle Kirsten Wehner

The fish kills in Menindee were devastating. Now the cultural resilience of communities living along the Baaka is being celebrated in a new documentary. READ MORE: https://tinyurl.com/3pav6m6m

24/01/2026

Goodbye Scotland and England! It’s been a blast!

So many amazing conversations and connections made for the future. See you again soon 😉

.australia

11/01/2026

For the last two months, various Cad staff have been working in Scotland, England, Germany and Slovenia creating new work, presenting past projects and advocating for socially engaged art.

Now, we have been joined by to visit cultural objects at and , present the More than a Fish Kill doco at and plus film a new doco!

07/11/2025

Come and work with us!!

Are you interested in contributing to the development of socially engaged art in Australia?

03/11/2025

For the last two weeks Sydney artist, Ryley Gillen, has been at the Cad Factory on his Scene Shift Residency. We can’t wait for what comes next!


Keep an eye out for regional artist Greg Pritchard heading to in Sydney for his Scene Shift Residency from 8-23 November 🏙️