Next year’s Beechworth Biennale is set to draw thousands of creative lovers to Beechworth’s historic town with a fabulous lineup of art installations by artists from across the nation.

Creative director Nina Machielse Hunt said the unique and free event will highlight the town's architectural and natural features and celebrate the many layers of history, from First Nations to the Gold Rush and also to an imagined future.

Among 20 works selected from more than 100 proposals is Borderline (The Going Home performance 2023-2026) by one of Australia’s pre-eminent artists Mike Parr.

Another is regionally based drone metal rock trio Matthew McKenzie, Richard Iskov and Liam Cuffley.

Ms Machielse Hunt said proposals received from artists mainly for outdoor exhibitions celebrated the unique regional town.

“We were delighted with the standard of the applications and excited to announce a diverse list of contemporary artists from regional, remote and urban centres,” she said.

Ms Machielse Hunt said artists have six months to develop artworks in response to allocated exhibition sites to be showcased on the long weekend from 7 to 9 March.

Among sites will be the Ovens and District Hospital façade, the Powder Magazine, a Chinese Gardens area, the Benev’s front lawn, the Old Beechworth Gaol’s exercise yard and the Lake Sambell pontoon.

"The contrast between the contemporary artworks and the heritage platform artworks are positioned in will be dynamic and thought provoking,” Ms Machielse Hunt said.

“By presenting professional thought-provoking artwork in accessible locations (not just in galleries) hope and inspiration are fostered which has a positive impact, especially on our youth within regional communities.”

The inaugural Beechworth Biennale held last year drew 2000 people engaging in art works in sound, sculpture, photography and film, including evening light projections on heritage facades.

People travelled from around the region, interstate with some from New Zealand, United States and Ireland.

“The town was abuzz with excitement and community pride,” Ms Machielse Hunt said.

The artistic director said on the agenda for next year’s three-day creative festival includes artist talks, guided tours and special events offering a culturally rich atmosphere over the long weekend.

A thrilled Ms Machielse Hunt said the event is supported by Australia Centre of Contemporary Art CEO, Myles Russell.

“Mr Russell will be the Beechworth Biennale official guest,” she said.

Ms Machielse Hunt said she thanks selection panel members Murray Art Museum Albury CEO Blair French and, Shepparton Art Museum curator Caroline Esbenshade helping to finalise the 2026 artist list.

She also acknowledged the commitment from the members of the Beechworth Biennale committee, support from the Indigo Shire Council, BankWAW and many of the town’s businesses, community organisations as well as individuals.

Visit www.beechworthbiennale.com.au for a list of artists, more information and event details or contact Ms Machielse Hunt on 0421072098, E: beechworthbiennale@gmail.com.