Newbridge, in Blayney Shire, hosts an annual weekend of visual arts and music.
In 2026 the event has support from the Arts OutWest Cultural Fund.
We caught up with one of the organisers Sarah Hunter.
Tell us about the village of Newbridge? What makes it spark?
Newbridge is one of the delightful historic villages which contribute to the unique character of the Blayney Shire. It has strong agricultural roots and now a strong creative arts culture as well. The village hosts three very different events throughout the year: a Swap Meet in February, Winter Solstice Festival in June and Spring into Art in October. Each has its own distinctive culture and following, but all are complementary to the diverse character of Newbridge itself.
What are the highlights of Newbridge Art show and the Spring into Art Festival?
The Newbridge Art Show was conceived in 2022 as a collaboration between the village art group and the camera club. It has grown strongly every year to become a significant regional art show attracting entries from interstate as well as in the broader Central West and Sydney. Entries have been noted by judges to be of a particularly high standard, and artists can be confident that their artworks will be accepted and hung (providing they don’t exceed the size criteria, because space is at a premium). This year all art entries will be available for sale, and many art show visitors return each year to purchase artworks.
The wider Spring into Art festival was built around the art show to involve the whole village community and its businesses. Complementary events over the years have included markets, open gardens and a tiny church trail. In 2026, the focus is on creative arts in the village of Newbridge itself, with free musical performances in the art show pavillions, at the church, on the verandah of Olde Bridge Gallery and in front of The Gladstone Hotel.
Highlights this year include:
– An inclusive viewing day on Wednesday October 14, providing an opportunity for groups to book their own, unhurried and uncrowded viewing time;
– Newbridge Art Show open from Friday to Sunday;
– The Great American Songbook concert of jazz and Latin classics, with Simon Tedeschi, George Washingmachine and Clare O’Meara on Friday night (tickets https://newbridgeartshow.com/pages/concert);
– Art, photography and music workshops from Thursday-Sunday;
– Cowra & District Band at The Gladstone Hotel, Saturday lunchtime (free);
– Big Phatt Jazz Band at The Gladstone Hotel, Sunday lunchtime (free); and
– Bathurst Panorama Chorus once again closing the Newbridge Art Show on Sunday
afternoon.
Tell us about the workshop program? What can we sign up to?
So many workshops! This year the art workshop is centred on plein air painting with Canowindra artist, David Isbester. Two workshops will take place, on Thursday October 15 and Friday October 16 in the Barry Community Hall. Many artists are signing up for both days, although you can also attend just one or the other. Numbers are limited. Booking is through https://newbridgeartshow.com/products/art-workshop-ticket and fees are $120 per day.
George Washingmachine and Clare O’Meara have kindly offered to deliver a two-hour Concepts of Stagecraft & Jazz Intensive Workshop for Musicians on Saturday morning at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. This incredible opportunity is designed for both emerging and more experienced performers ready to grow their craft, build confidence and perform on stage. Tickets are only $30 from https://newbridgeartshow.com/products/components-of-stagecraft-and-jazz-workshop.
Photographers can join a portrait photography workshop with Martin Ryan on Saturday, October 17 in the recently restored Newbridge Schoolhouse. Portrait models will be drawn partly from the cohort of musicians performing over the weekend, who will receive copies of the best photographs to use in their own promotional collateral. Bookings for this workshop can be made for $85 via https://newbridgeartshow.com/products/portrait-photography-workshop-ticket. Again, numbers are limited.
Those who would like to learn the basics of photography are invited to join a Beginner Photography workshop with Carolyn Hide on Sunday October 18, also in the Newbridge Schoolhouse. Fees for this one are $60 and the booking link is https://newbridgeartshow.com/products/photography-workshop-ticket
What do people love about the art show opening night?
There is always a special buzz about opening night for the art show. It’s usually a mild spring evening, and the showground itself is situated at the top of a rise with magnificent country vistas in every direction. You’re already appreciating beaty with all your senses as you walk in, and then there is a whole pavilion and a show hall packed with paintings and photography. For artists, of course, there’s the frisson of excitement, and there’s also a lot of catching up with friends from across the region.
Andrew Gee MP announces the art show open and then it is the turn of the judges to provide their summary and make the all-important announcements. Blayney Shire Council sponsors an acquisitive prize, and this is the final award to be announced before it’s time for the next event of the evening.
We hear there’s a kind of mystery bus tour involved this year? Any secrets you can reveal?
For both practical and safety reasons, concert-goers leave their cars at the showground and board a shuttle bus to the concert venue. This takes them a kilometre or so to the other side of the village, delivering them to the door of the imposing Church of the Blessed Sacrament, glowing from within with hundreds of lights. The sense of fun and adventure, even on such a short trip, is palpable as ticketholders make new friends and make the most of the experience.
Can people still enter the exhibition?
Art show entries are open until September 28, with deliveries on Sunday, October 12; 10am-4pm. Award categories and entry forms: https://newbridgeartshow.com/pages/enter.
How is the Arts OutWest Cultural Fund Microgrant being used?
We are incredibly grateful for the Arts OutWest Cultural Fund Microgrant, which will contribute towards payment to the incredible musicians who will be performing at Spring into Art at Newbridge. As well as headliners Simon Tedeschi, George Washingmachine and Clare O’Meara in the opening night concert, other performers include soprano Monique Rose, Orange Regional Conservatorium’s Big Phatt Jazz Band, the Cowra & District Band and Bathurst Panorama Chorus.
Beyond the festival in October, how does the focus on an arts event bring the community together through the rest of the year?
The impact of Spring into Art on Newbridge and its community, beyond the event itself, is manifold. As well as the Newbridge Art Group Space – which meets weekly on Wednesdays – there are monthly meetings of the Newbridge Camera Club meetings and the Crotchetty Knitters. Art and photography workshops are commissioned throughout the year. There is now interest in ceramics workshops planned for September, which hopefully will coalesce into a group to join the artists and photographers in hosting the art show.
We can’t ignore the year-round presence of two of the co-operative businesses in the village, either. Stringybark Crafts and Collectables features artworks and craft items made by village residents, as well as curated collections of secondhand clothing, toys and homewares. The Olde Bridge Gallery supports local artists and craftspeople, recently adding a striking mural of a steam train to its building doors for public appreciation.
Keen to support projects like this? Donate to the Arts OutWest Cultural Fund.
Image 1: Newbridge Art Show opening night is always a buzz © Carolyn Hide Cazeil Creative
Image 2: Simon Tedeschi and George Washingmachine return for the opening night concert © Carolyn Hide Cazeil Creative