Applicant: Bellingen Community Arts Council
Fund: Community Support Fund 2025/26 - Round 1
Funding: $1,985
The Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend, held on 8-9 Nov 2025, celebrated and supported the many cultural workers across the Bellingen Shire. Artists opened their studios, galleries and workshops coinciding with the established Australian Ceramics Open Studio Weekend. 31 venues across the shire were open over the weekend displaying works of over 80 artists with many of the artists in attendance. A dedicated website provided details on all the participating venues and artists as well as maps identifying locations. A booklet was also printed and made available for the public at Visitor Centre's, Council's Administration Building, the Shire Libraries and local businesses.
The event was a collaboration of art groups in Dorrigo, Bellingen and Urunga. It highlighted Bellingen Shire as an arts and culture destination. Sales of artist works over the weekend enhanced their income. The enjoyable and positive nature of the weekend where visitors met local artists helped enhance community wellbeing.