Cementa is preparing to once again transform Kandos into one of regional Australia’s most exciting creative destinations, with Cementa26 set to return from September 17 to 20, 2026.
The much-loved biennial festival has built a national reputation for bringing contemporary art into unexpected places while celebrating the unique character, stories and landscapes of Kandos and the surrounding region.
Newly appointed Cementa26 Curator Sebastian Henry-Jones said his vision for the festival is not simply to showcase art, but to use it as a way of revealing what already exists within the community.
“I wish for Cementa26 to be revealing of what’s already there,” he said, pointing to local culture, creativity, history, stories and the importance of Wiradjuri Country. Rather than placing art at the centre of attention, he hopes it will become a lens through which visitors can better appreciate the people, place and environment that make Kandos unique.
A key theme of the 2026 festival will be exploring how art can respond to climate change and environmental challenges, particularly those experienced across regional Australia. Henry-Jones said he is interested in creative works that place the health of Country and community ahead of individual recognition, encouraging audiences to experience art in new and meaningful ways.
Since its inaugural festival in 2013, Cementa has grown well beyond a biennial event. The Kandos-based, artist-centred and community-driven organisation now delivers year-round residencies, youth programs, artist-led initiatives and community projects that strengthen the region’s creative identity.
Its purchase of a permanent building in 2022 has helped establish the WAYOUT Artspace, while programs such as The Uncooperative continue to provide opportunities for young people to engage with contemporary art.
As planning continues for Cementa26, the organisation is also calling on supporters to help secure its future. Donations help create opportunities for artists, deliver community projects and ensure contemporary regional art continues to thrive in Kandos and beyond.
Donations of more than $2 are tax deductible, with contributions helping keep this unique regional festival flourishing for years to come.
