Expressions of Interest Invited from Artists for Golden Spaces 2026 Winter Exhibition

Golden Plains Shire Council is thrilled to announce that Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the 2026 Golden Spaces Winter Exhibition.

Golden Spaces is a free, community-based program offering group art exhibitions across three locations: The Bannockburn Cultural Centre, The Well at Smythesdale and the Golden Plains Civic Centre.

This exciting initiative celebrates and promotes the talent of artists from across the Shire and surrounding regions, increases access to the arts for the community within a local setting, and provides professional development opportunities for both emerging and established artists.

The 2026 Winter Exhibition marks the sixth exhibition in the series. The 2025 Winter Exhibition is currently on display at The Well in Smythesdale and the 2025 Summer Exhibition is now on display at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre.

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey encourages artists from around the Shire and surrounding regions to apply to feature at the 2026 exhibition.

We’re entering our third year of Golden Spaces which began as a pilot program in 2023, answering a call from our creative community for free and accessible exhibition programs and spaces, Cr Sharkey said.

Fast forward to now, we’re entering our sixth exhibition which is a huge testament to the enormous talent we have in our region. On average, Golden Spaces showcases over 40 artists and 60 artworks per year which is fantastic, he said.

I strongly encourage all local artists and crafters to apply to display their artworks at the 2026 Winter Exhibition. In addition to the exhibition, there are also a number of professional development opportunities to grasp, so make sure you get your applications in.

To submit an EOI, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/golden-spaces.

At the conclusion of the EOI period, successful artists will be notified, and the 2026 Winter Exhibition will be launched in June 2026. The exhibition will be on display for 12 months rotating between the Bannockburn Cultural Centre, The Well at Smythesdale and the Golden Plains Civic Centre.

For further information, contact Council’s Arts, Culture & Heritage team at golden.spaces@gplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7111.