Unearthed: Critical Minerals and the Energy Transition
Explore the use of critical minerals and understand how vital they are to our modern world.
The What’s On calendar joins Culture Maps Central NSW
21 March, 2025
It’s on this weekend – Spring into Art at Newbridge!
12 October, 2026
Winner: Mudgee Sculptures in the Garden
12 October, 2026
Zest Fest returns for the biggest year yet
2 October, 2026
Welcome to the regional list of arts and cultural events happening in the NSW Central West gathered from artists, event producers, great local venues and groups across the region.
FESTIVALS | ON STAGE | WORKSHOPS | EXHIBITIONS | HERITAGE | KIDS | WRITING | ON SCREEN | REGULAR
Explore the use of critical minerals and understand how vital they are to our modern world.
Sydney graphic designer and photographer Christopher Dingle returns to the Holtermann Museum with his photographic colourisation. The theme of this exhibition is "the faces in the crowd" - an exploration of the people lurking in the Holtermann Collection photographs from 1872 in and around Gulgong.
To coincide with the 150th anniversary of the railway arriving in Bathurst, Chifley Home presents Tracks to Power: Ben Chifley’s political genesis. This exhibition looks at Chifley’s work with his union, and his role as a leader in the community. His later political reputation was built upon his analytical and leadership skills, alongside his work for his community, all developed during his time as a locomotive driver.
Orange Regional Gallery is delighted to present Nike Savvas: Purple Haze, a major new exhibition featuring previous works alongside a spectacular new iteration of Savvas’ acclaimed Atomic series.
As we mark 50 years of NAIDOC, this exhibition reminds us that our future is built on the knowledge, strength, and resilience of our Female Elders. Their stories, wisdom, and culture continue to guide and inspire the next generation, ensuring these legacies are carried forward with pride.
This photographic project is part of The Dhuluny Project, an ongoing series of events commemorating the 200th anniversary of Martial Law on 14th August 1824.
Artists and curators Wirribee Aunty Leanna Carr and Henry Simmons have selected twenty previously unseen photographic works from the commemorative events since 2024 that remind us, Dhuluny is not a milestone, it is a perpetual process.
Exhibition curated by Wirribee Aunty Leanna Carr and Henry Simmons.
Weeds, introduced, invasive, pest. We have lots of ways to describe wild plants that don’t belong in our environment.
What makes a plant a weed and who decides? How can we care for Country and our native species? Is a weed always a bad thing?
Artist: Rachael Hegh
Hidden World of Huntington’s Disease brings into view the everyday realities of living with
Huntington’s Disease.
Through photos and personal commentary, people with lived experience of Huntington’s
disease share moments that are rarely seen or spoken about. These powerful photos do not
seek to define the condition. Instead, they invite us to pause, notice and reflect. They reveal
vulnerability, isolation, perseverance, strength and hope.
Transformations: Image, Time & Landscape surveys 27 years of work by Hill End-based artist Nicole Welch. Throughout her career and across mediums, her work is rich with symbolism, tension, and transformation and explores the relationships between landscape, the body, time, and memory. Welch creates works that are at once visually beautiful and conceptually challenging.
An exhibition inspired by colour, abundance, and the season of growth and new life.
FOYER: Five decades presents a small survey of personal work and invites us into the private collection of local artist Graham Lupp, providing a unique glimpse of studies made during formative moments and experiences of the artist’s life. The exhibition offers a beautiful journey of reflection, retrospection and poignant perspectives, celebrating vulnerability and wisdom across five decades of practice.
The Peisley Street Gallery is delighted to present *In Stillness*, a compelling joint exhibition showcasing the vivid and expressive works of acclaimed Central West artists Joy Engelman and Chris Anderson.
From My Point of View, an exhibit by Dallas Nyberg, an award-winning, self-taught artist whose remarkable journey is a testament to perseverance, passion and a lifelong love of creativity.
A Closer Look encapsulates Graham Lupp’s passion for the landscape around Bathurst, where he was born. This has been a lifelong fascination, stemming from his childhood and times spent fishing with his father.
An exhibition of Mel Gersbach's works.
A collection of Australian wildlife, nostalgia and the little moments that invite us to pause, look closer and discover something unexpected.
This exhibition celebrates Peter Brock’s career andincredible influence on the
history of Australianmotorsport, particularly here at Mount Panorama,
the location of so many of his most notableachievements. We remember a
legend of our sport,and a hero to so many race fans across the country.
Pictured: “Cheeky Lambs” by Megan Markotany See more including current opening hours and days at Instagram
Here/Now is Orange Regional Gallery’s annual open community exhibition presenting the work of artists from across the Central West of New South Wales.
At human and planetary scale this painting exhibition in two parts addresses the double fragility of contemporary stresses on mental health and the native birds and animals affected by the fracturing of habitat destruction.
For more than twenty years, Mudgee artist Sam Paine has captured the landscapes of the region through a distinctive and deeply personal vision. A Year in Mudgee follows the seasonal rhythms of the Mudgee Region, from the golden hues of summer to the lush greens of winter, celebrating the beauty and character of a landscape that is both familiar and ever changing.
Mudgee Arts Precinct is proud to present Roy Lichtenstein: Reflections on a Bull, the third in a series of four major exhibitions made possible through the Australian Government’s Sharing the National Collection initiative.
Checks and Balances examines systems of authority and governance through gridded formations. Artists Willabel Grindley Bennett and Hayley Zena Poynton employ the grid as both methodology and visual object as a way of fostering their neurodivergences and allowing critical contemplation of bureaucratic modes of control.
Meet the colourful creatures of Colourful Kin—a joyful new collection by Reece George, a proud Martu artist living in Woodstock. Through rich dot-work, unexpected colour and a generous sense of humour, George brings dogs, cats, birds and other animals vividly to life.
September - October at Cowra Micro Gallery. Open Saturday 27 September 2pm. Weekends.
Millthorpe artist Nikki has worked extensively in pencil and charcoal, creating detailed realistic forms through a tactile process of blending and refining. With a growing interest in watercolour over the past decade, she enjoys the freedom and experimentation that paint brings to her work.
If Not Now, Then Wren? Exhibition - raising awareness for the plight of our beloved Fairy Wrens, facing extinction within 30 years because of climate change.
This exhibition is partnership with Mid-Lachlan Landcare. As we head into the warmer months Art and environmental science are powerful tools for discussing environmental issues, such as water, weather, climate, soil care and the vulnerability of living creatures. We thank @midlachlanlandcare for assistance in curation and being guest speakers.
This exhibition features Wynne Prize finalists Harrie Fasher, Nic Mason and Julianne Ross Allcorn, three distinctive Australian artists whose practices span sculpture, painting, drawing and mixed media.
REVEL, bringing together an exceptional collection of contemporary Australian art, selected for its ability to evoke something. A response. A memory. A feeling. A moment that makes you stop and look again.
Bird song is special part of our lives.
I find identifying birds by their calls quite difficult, so I decided to study the sonographs of birds that live at my place. Maybe, if I looked at the song visually, I could trick my brain and learn to identify them.
Here are samples of sonographs of a willie wagtail and galah that I have stitched. (Images taken from my Bird NET Pi audio monitoring device
Sculptures in the Garden is an exciting event that combines garden design, large-scale Australian sculpture and traditional art mediums in beautiful rural surroundings within a private garden and vineyard in Mudgee.
Step right up and join the greatest show in the paddock!
This year's SIG for Kids theme is CARNIVAL — a world of dazzling performers, curious creatures, bright lights, spinning rides, games, laughter and wonder.
Alby & Esthers is excited to announce its latest exhibition: ‘Relief’, by Mudgee artist, Sara Morgan.
One of the café’s first sculpture exhibitions, ‘Relief’ is a collection of conceptual relief sculptures, celebrating Sara’s love of texture & the illusion of form & space.
Sara is a mixed media artist, working with wax, ink, pastel, watercolour, printmaking, pencil & photography.
Most recently, she has been exploring relief sculpture – three-dimensional artworks, where the sculpted forms project from a flat background.
A collaborative community sculpture project is coming to Sculptures in the Garden 2026.
To celebrate the Year of the Horse, we’re inviting our community to help us create something a little wild, wonderfully creative and unmistakably SIG.
The Age of Fishes Museum offers a Quiet Hour every Thursday from 10am to 11am.
Quiet Hour is the perfect time for visitors who prefer a calmer, more relaxed experience. The lights are softer, background noise is reduced and the pace is unhurried.
The Newbridge Art Show is a vibrant and growing celebration of art and creativity in a historic village in the heart of the New South Wales Central Tablelands.
Below the Canopy brings together a collection of recent paintings that reflect A. Wayne Miles’ enduring connection to the Australian bush.
At the heart of the exhibition is a series inspired by the landscape as experienced from beneath the sheltering canopy—where filtered light, shifting colour and tangled branches create a world that is both intimate and expansive.
Join us as we celebrate 75 years of the Musical and Dramatic Society with the opening of this special exhibition in the Coventry Room Gallery.
Explore a fascinating collection of costumes, photographs, and memorabilia that highlight the Society's rich history and achievements.
The annual upstART Exhibition and Awards is a unique showcase of artworks by students in Stages 5 and 6 (years 9, 10, 11 and 12) embracing a diverse range of artworks, including experimental and creative approaches in painting, ceramics, mixed media, photography, time-based art and sculpture. This is a ‘must-see’ exhibition of artworks by young artists proudly presented by Cowra Regional Art Gallery in collaboration with high schools in the Central West.
Over World Kangaroo Day weekend, Blue Mountains photographer Teangi Chambers presents WILD KIN, an exhibition celebrating the kangaroos and wallabies who share our landscapes.
Friday – Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm
Opens Sunday 25 October 2pm.
Opening: 29 October 2026 at 11am. All welcome.
CraftAlive is returning to Orange for three big days. Featuring both local and interstate craft experts, the show is packed full of the latest craft supplies, kits and equipment. CraftAlive is a hands-on event and a chance to learn from world-class specialists with interactive classes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. https://www.craftalive.com.au/events/orange/
Exhibition Menu
Acrylics, Ceramics, Charcoal,. Oils,, Pastels, Pyrography,
Sculptures, Statement Pieces, Watercolours
The Bathurst Arts Trail is a collective of artists throughout the Bathurst region who open their galleries to visitors on each Art’s Trail Open Weekend, which is the first weekend of each month. All of our artists are happy to have visitors to their galleries by appointment should they be unable to attend on a Trail weekend.
Saturday & Sunday of the first weekend of the month, 10am-4pm.
Local Cowra artist Josette Lynch will be exhibiting her newest works as well as running Paint and Sip workshops leading up to the exhibition and as Christmas parties.
Visual art on display and for sale by Grenfell Artists Inc
Opens on the first Saturday of each month 10am - 2pm
Rogues @ Toad Hall 2026 - A selling exhibition of indoor and outdoor sculpture by Rogue Sculptors, presented in a beautiful venue - Toad Hall. Enjoy this One Day Only event, taking in the views with wine and nibbles.
Rogues @ Toad Hall 2026 - A selling exhibition of indoor and outdoor sculpture by Rogue Sculptors, presented in a beautiful venue - Toad Hall. Enjoy this One Day Only event, taking in the views with wine and nibbles.
An evening of art, shared stories, and community connection. $25 per person, including a welcome drink and canapés.
Featuring work by members of the Blue Mountains Clay Collective, Form & Fire celebrates the diversity, creativity and technical excellence of our ceramic community, bringing together a broad range of contemporary clay practices.
Sophie Corks is putting on one last show before her move to Newcastle.
Small works and a few biggies of the moments that have inspired Sophie: backyard life, businesses and buildings, the seasons, and everyday life in a cool regional town.
Join the Peel community for the annual fundraiser for the Peel Recreation Reserve at the 15th Peel Jam — a relaxed afternoon set in the grounds of the historic old school hall. Enjoy live music, talented local artists with artworks available for purchase, artisan stallholders, local wines and craft beer, delicious food vendors, and the Peel RFS serving up their much-loved catering once again in 2026.
Come along to Ceramics Market Day and discover a wonderful selection of handmade ceramics created by artists from the Blue Mountains Clay Collective.
McCue & Mackay: Kindred Spirits 2 – a joint exhibition by Kathleen McCue and Cath Mackay, two artists brought together by a shared love of nature and a passion for creative expression.
Returning in November 2026, the third biennial MAP Portrait Prize will open on 27 November 2026 and run through to 21 February 2027.
This November, a small group of artists from across Australia will arrive in Mudgee to immerse themselves in the region’s distinctive landscapes, light, and creative spirit. Over five days, they will paint and create across the Mudgee and Capertee Valleys, responding directly to place before presenting their finished works at the Rosby Gallery.
Join us at Mudgee Arts Precinct for the opening of the MAP Portrait Prize 2026 and the announcement of this year’s prize winners.
One of MAP’s most anticipated exhibitions returns, bringing together an exciting selection of portraiture by artists from across Australia. From emerging creatives to established practitioners, the exhibition celebrates the people, personalities and stories captured through the art of portraiture.
Where: The What’s On calendar covers arts and heritage events happening across the NSW Central West in the local government areas of Bathurst Region, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western Region, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin.
What: Content is managed by Arts OutWest. Event listings are sourced or supplied from local venues and arts organisations. Many events listed here have been originally shared by the organisers on social media. Whilst all care is taken – and accuracy is our priority – we can take no responsibility for date changes or the content of contributed information. Contact the event organisers listed for more details or to book tickets.
It’s free to submit your local events.
The best way to include your event is to use our Submit an Event form.
‘Featured events’ are those submitted directly online by presenters.
Terms of use for presenters:
1. Event listings must be for the local government areas of Bathurst Region, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western Region, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Weddin
2. Events must be directly arts, creative or heritage related.
3. Images submitted are owned by the organisers or the organisers have express permission to use these images. Please include artist and artwork credits (if relevant) and photographer credit. see our fact sheet USING IMAGES FOR PROMOTING EVENTS.
3. All submissions will go to Arts OutWest for approval before publishing and may be edited. Please allow a couple of days for listings to be published. If you have submitted an event and want to make changes – or if you are having difficulty with the form – just email us at artsoutwest@csu.edu.au
4. Organisers must let Arts OutWest know of any event changes or cancellations. Email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au
