Young creatives are set to embark on some serious play at Wollongong Art Gallery, thanks to the arrival of the Hive Festival – an exciting two-day celebration delivered in partnership with the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW).
Held on Tuesday 20 January and Wednesday 21 January, the free art event will transform the gallery into a vibrant hub of creativity for kids and families with hands-on workshops and colourful experiences.
The fun-filled program includes making your own plushie pal, designing a postcard of hopes and wishes, eccentric circus performances and creating thank-you flags.
This year's Hive Festival has been developed by contemporary artist Kate Mitchell, who has marked 2025 with the theme 'Play is serious business!'. The two-day program draws inspiration from her exhibition Set States , which focuses on performance videos exploring emotional states and transformation.
"Hive Festival reflects our commitment to creating spaces where creativity and community thrive," Wollongong Art Gallery Director Dr Daniel Mudie Cunningham said.
"In partnership with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, we're proud to present a family-centred program that celebrates the importance of play.
"Kate Mitchell's work reminds us that play is not only joyful but also a powerful tool for learning, connection and self-expression. We're delighted to welcome families to Wollongong Art Gallery for two days of hands-on experiences that spark imagination and celebrate the transformative power of art."
One of the key activities on offer is Plushie Pals, a playful textile workshop created by Mitchell. Participants can design and sew their own soft companion choosing colours and shapes that reflect something they'd like to welcome more of into their lives, whether that's love, silliness, courage, calm or comfort. Once complete, each plushie becomes a small reminder of those qualities, ready to accompany kids and families on future adventures.
This is the third year of AGNSW's Hive Festival in which the festivities are designed by a selected contemporary artist in partnership with a selected regional gallery. This year's festival will begin at AGNSW on Saturday 17 January and Sunday 18 January before heading to Wollongong.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown saidshe is delighted for the opportunity to partner with the Art Gallery of New South Wales and deliver something unique for our community.
"Our Art Gallery always offers a wonderful school holiday program, but this summer, it's been bolstered by the Hive Festival," she said.
"We're grateful to partner with the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Kate Mitchell to activate our Art Gallery in a spectacular way. I encourage people to join in on the fun and rethink what it means to play and be creative!"
All workshops are free and are drop-in sessions. There's no need to book, just pop in anytime between 10am to 4pm on each day.
A Quiet Space is also available from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm each day.
To stay up to date on the Hive Festival, visit the Wollongong Art Gallery's website , follow the Art Gallery's social media accounts or subscribe to the e-newsletter .
Hive Festival is co-presented by the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Wollongong Art Gallery and supported by principal patron The Bayard Foundation.
Hive Festival Program
| Workshop | Details | When |
|---|---|---|
Plusie Pals |
Make your own plushie pal in this hands-on textile workshop. Use your imaginative flair to create a special soft friend that represents something you want more of in your life: love, silliness, courage, calm or comfort. Suitable for all ages and abilities. |
10am – 4pm, Tuesday 20 January 10am – 4pm, Wednesday 21 January |
Sweep It Out The Door, Let It Come In The Window |
Get creative and take a moment to think about the year ahead by designing your own postcard. On one side, draw or write something you'd like to leave behind; like a thought, feeling, or experience you're ready to let go of. On the other side, imagine what you'd love to welcome in for 2026. This can be a hope, a dream, or something exciting for the future! |
10am – 4pm, Tuesday 20 January 10am – 4pm, Wednesday 21 January |
It's In The Air |
Take a moment to appreciate the amazing things about yourself! In this activity, you'll write a thank-you message to a part of you, maybe something physical like your legs for running fast, or something inside, like your imagination for making ideas interesting. It could even be a character strength, like bravery for showing up when things feel scary. |
10am – 4pm, Tuesday 20 January 10am – 4pm, Wednesday 21 January |
Circus Fun with Neisha Murphy |
Neisha Murphy (better known as The Loveable Larrikin) will amaze with juggling, plate-spinning and inventive circus tricks. |
10am – 12pm and 1 - 3pm, Tuesday 20 January |
Circus Fun with Heidi Hoops |
Heidi Hoops is a hula hooper, whip-cracker and bubble-blower who loves to have fun! She'll greet you with challenges like bubble stacking, hoop tossing and lasso looping to boost your sense of play before you venture on. |
10am - 12pm and 1 – 3pm, Wednesday 21 January |
