Kandos has well and truly established itself as a destination for contemporary art, and following the wonderful success of Cementa26, preparations are already underway for the next instalment of this extraordinary regional arts celebration.
Cementa28 has officially opened its Expressions of Interest (EOI) process, inviting artists from across Australia, at all career stages and working in all creative disciplines, to put forward their ideas for the 2028 festival.
New curators Uncle Peter Swain, Lana Nguyen and Lucas Ihlein are looking for artists keen to explore the people, history, culture and environment of Kandos, creating works that reflect the unique character of this remarkable little town.
And the best part? You don’t need to have everything figured out before applying!
What makes Cementa so special is its genuine connection with the community. Rather than simply displaying artworks in traditional galleries, the festival transforms streets, shopfronts, community spaces and unexpected corners of Kandos into opportunities for artistic discovery.
Since its beginnings in 2013, Cementa has built a national reputation for bringing contemporary art into regional communities, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and showcasing the incredible creative opportunities that exist beyond our major cities.
The benefits extend well beyond festival weekend, with artist residencies, exhibitions and community collaborations continuing to strengthen the region’s cultural identity and creative economy.
Successful EOI applicants will be invited to undertake a one-to-three-week residency in Kandos, receiving a $1,000 artist fee and the opportunity to develop their ideas alongside the local community. Festival participation will be determined separately.
Importantly, Cementa encourages artists to embrace the unexpected, allowing their projects to evolve through conversations, experiences and connections made during their stay.
Expressions of Interest close Thursday 5 November 2026, with applicants notified by 18 November.
For further information, contact info@cementa.com.au or head to the Facebook page and click the link that will take you to the form.
What an exciting opportunity to be part of something truly special in our region!
