Applications open now for major art festival

Artists ready to vie for four major prizes can now enter into the renowned biennial public art festival Strand Ephemera.

Back for another showstopping year in 2027, the festival is inviting artists from across the country to be part of one of Northern Australia’s largest and most celebrated outdoor public art exhibitions. Strand Ephemera will run from 24 July to 8 August next year.

This year’s prizes include the $10,000 Artistic Excellence Award, the $1,000 Environmental Advocate Award, the $1,000 Young Artistic Excellence Award and the $1,000 People’s Choice Award.

North Queensland artists and long-time collaborators Marion Gaemers and Lynnette Griffiths took out the top prize in last year’s festival for their ghost net sculpture Killers.

Ms Gaemers said it was worth every artist’s while to apply for next year’s Strand Ephemera.

“It was very exciting to have received the major award last year and were pleased that work by two North Queensland women was judged to be best in show,” Ms Gaemers said.

“I would recommend to all artists who like to make art in the environment to give it a go. I would suggest you think of scale and where your work can be located as the beach and foreshore are very large places and work that looks very large at home can disappear into the environment.”

Divisional councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said it was exciting to be on the cusp of another Strand Ephemera.

“Ephemera is certainly one of our most creative and interactive art experiences here in Townsville. It’s incredible to watch The Strand transform into an outdoor festival filled with unique and innovative artworks made by established and emerging artists from right across the country,” Cr Greaney said.

“As the arts and events capital of Northern Australia, Council is incredibly proud to be bringing this nationally-renowned exhibition back to The Strand as our premier outdoor precinct. Not only does this event bring remarkable artworks from professional artists to the public, but it also gives up-and-coming artists, including school students, the opportunity to exhibit their works as well.

“This is undoubtedly one of our city’s biggest cultural events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to see the incredible outdoor sculptures for themselves as part of Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts.”

Artists can apply now to exhibit in Strand Ephemera by visiting Council’s website. Entries close at 10am on Tuesday 3 November 2026.

For more information or to send in your application, visit Strand Ephemera.