Four artists. Four Nations. One Festival.
Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal Corporation is proud to announce the Saltwater Freshwater Festival 2027 Official Artwork Competition, inviting Aboriginal artists from the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Birpai and Worimi Nations to help shape the future of one of the largest Aboriginal cultural celebrations on the NSW Mid North Coast.
Presented by the National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA), will commission four original artworks—one from each Nation—that together will become the official visual identity of the Saltwater Freshwater Festival 2027.
Inspired by the Festival theme, Strong Voices. Shared Stories. Living Culture., artists are invited to create original contemporary Aboriginal artworks that celebrate the strength of culture, stories shared across generations and the living traditions that continue to connect Country, community and future generations.
Together, the four selected artworks will create a single Festival identity, appearing across official Festival T-shirts, merchandise, posters, signage, digital campaigns, publications and promotional material throughout the 2027 Festival campaign.
Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance General Manager Janan Greenwood said the initiative reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting Aboriginal artists and celebrating the unique cultural identities of the four Saltwater Freshwater Nations.
“The Saltwater Freshwater Festival is built on the stories, cultures and creativity of our communities. This Artist Competition provides an opportunity for one artist from each Nation to help shape the Festival’s visual identity while creating lasting professional opportunities for Aboriginal artists.”
Unlike a traditional art competition, this is a professional commissioning opportunity. Selected artists will receive a commission fee, royalties from official merchandise sales, retain copyright in their artwork, and work collaboratively with the National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA) to prepare their artwork for the Festival’s visual identity.
Expressions of Interest are open to Aboriginal artists connected to the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Birpai or Worimi Nations.
Key dates:
- Expressions of Interest open: Monday 10 August 2026
- Expressions of Interest close: Sunday 13 September 2026
- Successful Artists Announced: Friday 2 October 2026
Following selection, the National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA) will work collaboratively with each artist to prepare the artworks for production across Festival branding and merchandise, ensuring they work together as one cohesive Festival identity while respecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
The Saltwater Freshwater Festival Official Artwork Competition is intended to become an annual initiative that celebrates Aboriginal artistic excellence while creating sustainable economic opportunities for artists across the four Saltwater Freshwater Nations.
Artist Briefs, Terms and Conditions, and the online Expression of Interest will be available from Monday 10 August 2026.
Presented by
Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance Aboriginal Corporation
Through the National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA)
Supported by
Creative Australia | Create NSW | NSW Aboriginal Land Council | Aboriginal Affairs NSW
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