Artists from across Golden Plains and surrounding regions are encouraged to exhibit their artworks at the Golden Spaces 2026 Summer Exhibition, with Expressions of Interest (EOI) open now.
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 Summer Exhibition marks the seventh exhibition in the series. The 2025 Summer Exhibition is currently on display at The Well in Smythesdale and the 2026 Winter Exhibition is now on display at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey praised the Golden Spaces program and the opportunities it has provided to artists in the region.
Golden Spaces began as a pilot program in 2023, answering a call from our creative community for free and accessible exhibition programs and spaces in our Shire, Cr Sharkey said.
Fast forward to now, the 2026 Golden Spaces Summer Exhibition marks the seventh exhibition in the series. Each year, Golden Spaces has shown over 40 artists and an incredible 60 artworks per year, he said.
The remarkable talent we have in our Shire and in surrounding regions is evident with each exhibition, and I have no doubt the 2026 Summer Exhibition will be no different. I encourage our artistic community to apply and help make this the biggest exhibition yet.
EOIs are open until 5pm, Monday 31 August 2026 and can be completed at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/golden-spaces.
At the conclusion of the EOI period, successful artists will be notified, and the 2026 Summer Exhibition will be launched at the Twilight Market in December 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 [email protected] or call 5220 7111.