New LAVA Arts Festival launches EOI for artists

THE inaugural LAVA Arts Festival 2026 has opened expressions of interest for artists, performers and creatives across the Tweed Shire and Northern Rivers.

Presented by Caldera Creative, LAVA is inviting local art makers to propose bold, inclusive and place-driven works, from artist commissions to community exhibitions, for a vibrant regional arts celebration in June 2026.

The dynamic three-day celebration of art and culture across the region in June will transform Murwillumbah and surrounding village hubs with exhibitions, installations, performances, workshops and community-led creative experiences.

Building on the legacy of the Murwillumbah Arts Trail, LAVA expands opportunities for collaboration, professional development and artistic innovation, with a focus on regional identity, place-based storytelling and inclusive participation.

Artists can explore two pathways: the Commissioned Artist Program, supporting three artists or collectives to develop new contemporary, project-driven artworks and the Festival Artist Program, which is welcoming proposals for self-organised exhibitions, open studios, performances, workshops and creative activities.

LAVA strongly encourages submissions from emerging artists, youth groups, First Nations creatives and experimental artforms, including digital, textile, sound, spoken word and moving-image practices.

Caldera Creative lead, Byron Coathup, said the festival invited the arts community to join them at a casual launch event to hear more about the creative opportunities.

“It’s an opportunity for the local artists of the Tweed and the Northern Rivers to come together in a relaxed social atmosphere and unify,” Coathup said.

“As we are at the end of 2025, we hope everyone can chat about what they have been up to and what they might have in store for 2026 or beyond.

“We have exciting progress news to share about LAVA, and we want to support our creative community through offering such opportunities as this new, diverse and inclusive arts festival.”

An informal afternoon of drinks and music with Creative Caldera to launch the artist EOI will be held at M|Arts on Saturday, December 6 at 3pm.

Expressions of interest open December 6 and close February 1.

For information, visit creativecaldera.com.au/projects, and to submit, visit lava-arts.com.au