Port Macquarie Hastings Council today launched the 10th year of ArtWalk, the regions' premier arts and cultural event.
Mayor Adam Roberts officially launched ArtWalk 2026, to be held on Friday June 5, with Councillors, General Manager, Robert Fish and a collection of this year's artists at Four Espresso Café in the Port Macquarie CBD.
ArtWalk is the region's premiere cultural event that recognises and celebrates the artists, storytellers and creative minds who invite our community to experience the world through fresh perspectives. This event inspires connection, creativity and a vibrant night-time economy.
"It's a wonderful celebration of our people, our place and the creativity that continues to shape and reflect our Port Macquarie Hastings community," Mayor Roberts said.
"Since its inception in 2016, ArtWalk has become one of the most anticipated events on our community calendar and attracts thousands of residents and visitors into the heart of Port Macquarie.
"Over the past 10 years we have seen incredible installations, performances, exhibitions, street art, projections and creative activations that transform the CBD into a vibrant cultural hub for one night each year."
Some of the artists selected for this year's ArtWalk include:
- Curious Legends: puppeteers and theatre company
- Leah Doeland's Yarn Bombing community project is back
- Lucy Juhnke and Brad Collins: showcasing new murals
- ArtWalk x Luminance: Young artist's exhibition
- Tortuga: activating Clarence Street,
- Chalk River Labs - Night Parrots: lighting sculpture
- The Cage: activating Phillips Lane
- St Thomas Church: projections, live music and food
The list of artists is a glimpse of what's to come, with many more artists and activations still to be announced.
General Manager, Robert Fish said that a recent recognition of ArtWalk - winning the Placemaking for Prosperity Award at the 2026 Australasian Place Leaders' Summit held at the Port Macquarie Glasshouse last week - demonstrated how transformative the event was for our community.
"The Placemaking for Prosperity Award was a truly deserved accolade for all that the PMHC team does behind the scenes each and every year," Mr Fish said.
"Events like ArtWalk don't happen on their own. They happen because of the continued support from the community, artists, businesses and PMHC's ongoing investment in arts and culture.
"Each year, attendance continues to grow, and we receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, artists and visitors who tell us how much they value the chance to come together and experience our beautiful town in a completely different way."
During the last decade of challenges, including multiple floods, the Black Summer bushfires and the COVID pandemic, the spirit of ArtWalk remained strong, Mr Fish added.
"Where possible, we've reimagined the event. For example, in 2020 during COVID, we adapted Artwalk into a smaller, daytime, locally focussed experience to maintain continuity. And last year after the May 2025 floods we shifted the date and used the opportunity to celebrate our emergency services," he said.
"Despite these changes, the enthusiasm and support from our community and creatives never wavered, and the event returned stronger than ever.
"PMHC would like to thank everyone who has contributed to ArtWalk over the past decade for making this event such a vibrant part of Port Macquarie Hastings cultural identity and we hope to see continued community and business support into the future."
To keep updated on the full program between now and June, check out PMHC's social media channels.
