Swan Hill 2 to 4 September 2022

Swan Hill National Print and Drawing Awards, Concert featuring Clare Bowditch, Benny Walker, Freya Josephine Hollick & The Northern Folk and a program of music and visual arts events all weekend

Get your creative fix at the inaugural Go North Arts Festival in picturesque Swan Hill, on the banks of the Murray River, from Friday 2 September to Sunday 4 September. Set to be an annual event, the festival offers something for everyone. Sit back and relax to music, get messy and try something new in fun art workshops and rub shoulders with some of Australia’s top artists.

The Festival kicks off on Friday, 2 September at 6pm with the official opening and announcement of the winners of the $16,000 prize pool in the Swan Hill National Print and Drawing Awards, at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery. More than 300 entries, from some of Australia’s finest contemporary artists were received. Judges Vanessa Gerrans, CEO of Ballarat International Foto Bienale (former Gallery Director of Warrnambool Art Gallery) and Dr Thomas A. Middlemost, Art Curator, Charles Sturt University have chosen 50 finalists, which will be on display. The event features live music from one of the best trad jazz bands around, River Boat Quintet. And the opportunity to enjoy drinks and finger food with some of the artists, judges and local art enthusiasts at this free event, RSVPS via phone (see below) are essential.

On Saturday 3 September at 11 am, join the award judges and walk through the National Print and Drawing Awards Exhibition, hearing first-hand their thoughts on the shortlisted and winning works. The morning is also an opportunity to hear from for any finalists who may have may have made the journey to Swan Hill,  to speak about their work. This event free includes coffee and a tour. The exhibition continues until 20 November, at Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, entry by donation.

From 3pm to 9pm on Saturday 3 September, The Go North Arts Festival major event takes over Riverside Park. Clare Bowditch headlines this spectacular live music and art event launched with a Welcome to country, smoking ceremony and dance by The Wiran Dance Group followed by performances by Benny Walker, Freya Josephine Hollick, & The Northern Folk.

Concert goers can get their creative juices flowing by trying something new at workshops for people of all ages and skill, included in the ticket price. Screen printing with Adelaide based screenprinter Jake Holmes; Drumming with Melbourne based Dave Houston, Mosaic making with Moulamein artist Sandy Peeters, simple clay making with Lake Boga artist Damien Thomas; spray paint and stencil with Kerang artist Kerryn Finch , relief printing on fabric with Kerang artist Paul Oswin, drawing/painting with Swan Hill artist Shirley Pinchen and Aboriginal Learning with Swan Hill artist Kenita Lee McCartney. Food trucks will be on site, and drinks will be available at bar prices. Tickets are on sale now for $47, free for 15 years and under.

On Sunday 4 September at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, Peter Jacobs, printmaker, painter, and passionate stone lithography practitioner will demonstrate the magic and chemistry that is drawing and printing on stone. Hear Peter’s story of his most recent series, ‘Epicormic growth’, images emanating from the bushfires and the effect that had on him as he stayed and defended his house and studio. From 11 am  to 12.30pm and entry is free.

The Go North Arts Festival concludes with ‘Recital in the Gallery’ from 2-3pm. Festival goers are invited to enjoy a free classical guitar recital by Malcolm Perris, whilst enjoying the exhibition of finalists from the National Print and Drawing Awards.

Go North Arts Festival is funded in collaboration between Creative Victoria and Swan Hill Rural City Council, and is part of On the Road Again, a Victorian Government initiative to bring live music back across the state.

For more information and tickets please visit www.gonorthartsfestival.com, call the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery on (03) 5036 2430 or visit the

Go North Festival Instagram page.