Registrations open for milestone Surf Coast Arts Trail

REGISTRATIONS have opened for the 2026 Surf Coast Arts Trail, a milestone 15th edition of the event that has become one of the region’s most significant cultural drawcards.

Artists, makers and venue organisers have until March 30 to register for this year’s trail, which will take place between August 1 and August 2, opening studios, galleries and community spaces across the shire to the public.

The arts trail has grown steadily over the past 15 years into a major winter event for the Surf Coast, attracting thousands of visitors and offering artists the opportunity to share their work, processes and inspiration directly with audiences.

“Our much-loved trail is turning 15 in 2026, and we are sure it will be a fittingly vibrant celebration of the creativity and talent across our shire,” Cr Mike Bodsworth said.

“Last year’s trail featured more than 200 artists across 56 venues throughout the region. More than 15,000 people admired works, shared artists’ inspiration and generated more than $210,000 in sales.

“We encourage first-time or long-time participating artists to get their registrations in and be part of one of the region’s most-celebrated arts events.”

 

 

The council will again provide support to artists and venues preparing for the trail and will host an online information session of March 10 between 1pm and 2pm. The session is particularly aimed at first-time participants.

“We’re here to support artists at every stage throughout the Trail, so please be sure to make the most of the online session, and if you have any further queries don’t hesitate to contact our council arts team,” Cr Bodsworth said.

“We want to help ensure that your Trail experience is as rewarding and enjoyable as possible.”

Several new initiatives will accompany the 2026 trail, expanding opportunities for the community to get involved.

A volunteer program will be introduced to support artists and venues during opening hours, while a new Saturday night gig guide will highlight theatre, music and other performance events running alongside the trail.

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/ArtsTrail

Artists can also contact the shire’s arts team via [email protected], by phone on 5260 0600, or in person at the shire’s civic office at 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay.