Camp Creative 40th Community Evening Event Program

Applicant: Camp Creative Inc

Fund: Community Event Sponsorship Fund 2025/26 - Round 1

Funding: $5,000

Camp Creative 2026 delivered six public performance events across Bellingen between 13 and 16 January, providing opportunities for participants to showcase the skills and creative work developed throughout the week. Events included the Bellingen Music Experience, Inspire Songwriting, The Bash Open Mic Night, Party in the Park, the Kids Showcase and the Grand Finale Concert. The program featured a diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, storytelling and creative performance by participants, tutors, local artists and special guests, with all events open to both Camp Creative participants and the wider community.

The events attracted strong audience attendance, with all venues reaching capacity and generating enthusiastic community engagement. Party in the Park featured a vibrant line-up including youth hip hop, African drumming, harmonica ensembles, ukulele groups and performances by local and visiting artists, while the Kids Showcase and Grand Finale Concert highlighted the achievements of participants across a broad range of courses. Camp Creative 2026 also recorded strong overall participation, welcoming 1,241 attendees across 89 courses, representing a 22% increase on the previous year.

The program provided valuable opportunities for people of all ages to learn new skills, build confidence, connect with others and participate in creative activities in a supportive environment. Survey feedback highlighted the importance of the performance program in enhancing community connection, showcasing creative outcomes and providing meaningful performance opportunities. In addition to enriching the cultural life of the community, Camp Creative brought significant visitation to the Bellingen Shire, supporting local businesses, accommodation providers, hospitality venues and other services throughout the event period.

Photos by Gavin Moroney