Community calendar turns the page after 25 years

THE curtain will fall on the Surf Coast Community Arts Calendar, with the next edition confirmed as its last.

The long-running calendar has been a fixture for more than 25 years, showcasing the work of aspiring and established creatives across the Surf Coast.

News the 2026 edition of the calendar will serve as its farewell edition was delivered this week, with the Surf Coast Shire citing rising costs and declining use of the calendar.

“We know that people have great affection for the calendar, but we believe that the costs of producing them can be used to create more opportunities for artists to develop and share their work,” Chris Pike, the shire’s general manager of placemaking and environment, said.

“Even though our community has grown during the past 25 years, the calendar is now used by a smaller number of people than its earlier days, and production demands significant funding.”

The decision, he said, had not been made lightly, but offered an opportunity to redirect the funds toward initiatives that better support local creatives.

“While there might be measures of sadness with the ending of an era, the transition will help ensure that our arts and creatives program can include more flexible, inclusive and sustainable activities into the future.”

The annual community art exhibition and competition, which has accompanied the launch of the community arts calendar each year, will continue, and a new annual arts program will be launched in 2026-27.

While few details about the program are available at this stage, the shire says the facilitated project will change in theme, art form and location each year.

Submissions for the calendar’s farewell edition will remain open until September 21.

Entry restrictions have been lifted, allowing winning artists from the past couple of years to enter again.

For submission details, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/calendarcomp