Almost 100 First Nations artists, musicians, performers, makers and cultural practitioners will come together on the banks of the Clarence River this November for Art on Bundjalung; a free celebration of creativity, culture and Country.
Produced by Arts Northern Rivers, this major event will feature more than 40 market stalls alongside live music, dance, fashion, art, food and language workshops connecting Bundjalung, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr Country.
Organisers say this is a rare chance to experience the depth of First Nations culture and creative practice that exists across our region.
Arts Northern Rivers’ First Nations Program Coordinator Hannah Ranby said, ’Art on Bundjalung is a celebration of the strength, creativity and cultural knowledge that exists across our communities.
‘It’s incredibly meaningful to create a space that is led by and for First Nations people, where our mob can come together to share, learn and celebrate through culture and art.’
Since the first market in Lismore in 2019, the event has been held in Kyogle and Dirruwung/Evans Head.
This year’s move to Grafton continues that journey across the region, extending Art on Bundjalung into the Clarence Valley for the first time.
Aunty Deborah Taylor, Art on Bundjalung 2026 Committee Member, said ‘I’m really glad Art on Bundjalung is coming to Grafton. It’s a great way for people to connect and see what so many talented people from our communities are doing, through art, song, dance and crafts. It’s about coming together for a happy occasion.’
Art, performance and culture
At the heart of Art on Bundjalung is its market, bringing together more than 40 emerging and established First Nations artists, makers and collectives working across traditional and contemporary practices.
Visitors will be able to meet artists and buy work directly from stallholders, including paintings, woven works, jewellery, textiles, artefacts and bush foods.
Dylan Bolt, one of this year’s stallholders, said ‘I’m looking forward to meeting people, sharing the stories behind my artwork, and connecting with the community through genuine conversations.
‘I value the opportunity to share my perspective as an artist and hear the stories and perspectives of others.’
Alongside the market, a full cultural program will run throughout the day, with an epic line-up of artists and collectives spanning live music, dance and spoken word.
The cultural program features: Allira Williams, Marc Daley, Kaylan Band, Lovesick, Angel, Manduway, Biren Cultural Group, Kinship Doobai, Garimaa Ngahri – Bundjalung, Giingan Yiiliwiyay Girrwaa – Gumbaynggirr, Yaegl, Nini Nghari Dance Group
One of the highlights from the cultural program will be the Art on Bundjalung fashion parade, featuring Women of the Rivers by Bundjalung artists Kylie Caldwell, Val Smith and Jasmin Stanford. Fresh from the runway at Country to Couture 2026 in Darwin, Australia’s largest showcase of Indigenous fashion, the collection draws on the waterways, weaving traditions and landscapes of Country.
Jarjums and Elders
There will also be workshops and activities for jarjums throughout the day, including jewellery making, language exchange and weaving circles, providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to take part, learn and connect.
An Elders Tent will provide a comfortable space for Elders to sit, gather and yarn throughout the day.
Art on Bundjalung is a celebration of what is here: extraordinary artists, living culture, language, music, creativity and community.
For one day, all of that comes together on the banks of the Clarence River, creating a chance to gather, to experience culture in all its forms and to support First Nations artists by buying work directly from the people who make it.
This free community event will be happening on Saturday 21 November 2026, from 8am to 2pm, at Corcoran Park in Grafton.
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