How will you Draw Portland this year? Sketch by the millpond? Capture the powerhouse in pencil? The painted silos in ink? The forest in pastel?
The public drawing and art making event, Draw Portland, is back for a second year on Saturday 24 October 2026 from 10am-4pm.
The creative precinct at The Foundations Portland (west of Lithgow) will be open to the public to explore and draw its extraordinary natural and industrial settings.
Last year artists of all styles and experience explored the site and made new art – and met other artists along the way. Arts OutWest and The Foundations invite you back to draw again.
Kids can join artist Alice Martin in a 1.5hr drawing workshop (10.30am-12noon). Book now, places are limited to 10 per workshop. Target age 8-12. $5 registration for the workshop, the Draw Portland day is free.
“The vibe will be welcoming, inclusive, relaxed and fun. All skill levels welcome,” said Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead.
Bring your drawing equipment, something to sit on, comfy clothes and shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
The Foundations is fast becoming one of the most exciting creative hubs in NSW. It’s a rare combination of industrial heritage and picturesque natural beauty, the site is being revitalised into a unique regional destination offering a diverse range of cultural, community and recreational experiences, right in the heart of Portland township. It’s arts precinct is home to sculptor Harrie Fasher’s foundry, The Squatters artist residency, and the huge silos painted by Guido van Helten.
Bookings for the kids workshop at: Draw Portland – Kids Workshop
The kids workshop is supported by The Art Program at The Foundations Portland and coordinated Arts OutWest.
The Foundations Portland is a rare combination of industrial heritage and picturesque natural beauty, the site is being revitalised into a unique regional destination offering a diverse range of authentic cultural, community and recreational experiences. Learn more The Foundations Portland NSW | Live, Work & Play
Arts OutWest is the Regional Arts Development Organisation of Central West NSW servicing the local government areas of Bathurst Region, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western Regional, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin. Arts OutWest is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, the Australian Government through Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support, our 12 member councils, and by Charles Sturt University. Home – Arts OutWest
The kids workshop is funded by The Art Program at The Foundations, Portland managed by Arts OutWest.
Image: Adrian Cook