There’s something quietly magical about wandering through Gosford Regional Gallery. Perhaps it’s the blend of bold creativity and serene garden surroundings. Maybe it’s the feeling that world-class art has somehow managed to land on the Central Coast and decided to stay awhile. Whatever the reason, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the Gallery’s most exciting years yet.

The newly released program promises a rich calendar of exhibitions, experiences and public events designed to spark curiosity, creativity and connection across the community. From major exhibitions and celebrated artists to immersive digital works and beloved annual traditions, the year ahead offers countless reasons to return again and again.

What’s On at Gosford Regional Gallery

The Gallery’s much-loved Make It Big Artist Markets will now take place twice a year, bringing colour, creativity and handcrafted treasures to the grounds in May and November. Visitors can also look forward to the return of Origami in the Japanese Garden, presented in partnership with Funhaus Factory, where contemporary performance meets the tranquil beauty of one of the Coast’s most cherished cultural spaces.

Inside, the Moving Image Gallery continues to evolve as a dedicated digital exhibition space, opening the year with Todd Fuller’s animated work Dear Christians, followed by further innovative experiences that blend storytelling, technology and contemporary practice.

Throughout the year, visitors will encounter a diverse range of artistic voices and mediums across the Gallery’s exhibition spaces, celebrating both established and emerging talent.

Major highlights include significant retrospectives, compelling solo exhibitions and thoughtful collaborations that explore material, memory, identity and connection. A powerful commissioned First Nations dance, created on Darkinjung Country, will inspire through live performance and an immersive moving image installation forming a highlight of the program, while the ever-popular Gosford Art Prize returns in September after drawing more than 1,000 entries in 2025 – firmly securing its place as one of Australia’s most loved regional art prizes.

The year will close with a striking survey exhibition examining three decades of sculptural practice by artist Donna Marcus, transforming everyday materials into something unexpected and extraordinary.

Beyond exhibitions, the Gallery continues its meaningful commitment to community and culture. Following award recognition for its First Nations student residency project in 2025, a new residency will once again invite local students to create works that welcome visitors to the space, ensuring the next generation of artists remains at the heart of the Gallery’s story.

Whether you’re a devoted art lover, someone looking for a way to entertain the kids, a weekend wanderer or simply someone seeking a moment of calm beside the Japanese garden, Gosford Regional Gallery’s 2026 program offers inspiration in every season.

Plan to visit often. You’ll want to see how the story unfolds.

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions at gosfordregionalgallery.com/exhibitions

Check out the full 2026 program release here.

 

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The Independent Heart of Art on the Central Coast

Step into the creative hub of the region, where bold exhibitions meet tranquil gardens. Welcome to Gosford Regional Gallery. Just a stone’s throw from the water (well, East Gosford’s Caroline Bay), the Gosford Regional Gallery is where the Central Coast goes to get inspired, wander off the beaten path, and be reminded that art isn’t just for big cities. Nestled beside the serene Edogawa Commemorative Garden, this local gem is the perfect place to get your art fix and a truly zen experience.

Here’s why locals love it – and why visitors should definitely add it to their itineraries.

Gosford Regional Gallery is exhibition heaven for the art lovers among us

With three sizeable gallery spaces, Gosford Regional Gallery hosts an ever-changing mix of local, national and international works. Whether it’s painting, photography, sculpture or textiles, there’s always something fresh to feast your eyes on.

And for something truly cutting-edge, step inside the Moving Image Gallery (MIG) – the Central Coast’s first permanent space dedicated to screen-based and digital art. With its six-metre curved wall and immersive high-resolution display, MIG brings a new dimension to the gallery experience, showcasing innovative contemporary artists and new media works that move, shift and surprise.

The Archibald Prize at the Gosford Regional Gallery

Between November 2025 – January 2026, the gallery was home to the prestigious 2025 Archibald Prize, Australia’s most famous portrait-painting award. Locals were treated to finalist works that previously hung in Sydney, and yes, the voting, opinions, and light-hearted controversy are all part of the fun.

 

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Shop local, gift beautiful

While you’re there, make time to explore the new Gallery Shop, a treasure trove of locally made art, luxury gifts and global finds. You’ll find authentic Japanese kimonos, obis and Kokeshi dolls, plus a stunning collection of Indigenous-owned brands, handmade jewellery, silk scarves, ceramics, timber pieces, glassware and beautifully curated books.

Whether you’re looking for something unique for a special occasion, a thoughtful souvenir, or just want to spoil yourself, this shop is one of the Central Coast’s hidden gems – a little gallery within the gallery. Gift vouchers are also available (and make the perfect last-minute present).

Chill family-friendly vibes

Need to bribe the kids to get through the gallery experience unscathed? You can – buy a bag of fish food & feed the colourful koi in the tranquil Edogawa Gardens. From the café to the garden paths, this place welcomes all ages. Schools, tour groups, families and art lovers of all kinds frequent the space, which is equal parts cultural, creative and casual.

Local invite + visitor must-see

For Coasties, this gallery is ours to enjoy; a cultural cornerstone we should be proud to have in our region. And for anyone passing through, it’s the perfect pit stop. A little culture, a little calm, and a lot to love.

So next time you’re looking for something off-beat, uplifting or beautifully mellow, spend a few hours at the Gosford Regional Gallery. Sip coffee, wander the garden, explore the art, browse the shop and soak in a side of the Coast many overlook.

Gosford Regional Gallery
36 Webb St, East Gosford
Open daily 9:30 am – 4:00 pm (extended hours on Thursday nights during special shows)
gosfordregionalgallery.com

Catch you in the gallery.

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