Gosford Regional Gallery Turns 25: Celebrate with a Year of Art, Culture and Community

For 25 years, Gosford Regional Gallery has been one of the Central Coast’s most treasured creative spaces – a peaceful, creative corner where art, nature and community come together. Tucked beside the Edogawa Japanese Gardens in East Gosford, the gallery has quietly become a local favourite. And in 2025, it’s celebrating the big 2-5 with a full calendar of events that reflect everything this space does best: showcasing local talent, bringing people together, and making art feel inviting, not intimidating.

That’s right – the gallery is turning 25, and you’re invited to the party!

Whether you’re a seasoned regular or haven’t visited since Year 10 art class, 2025 is the perfect time to (re)discover what makes this place so special.

What’s On at the Gosford Regional Gallery

Make It Big Markets – Saturday 25 May

The birthday celebrations are already underway, and next up is the Make It Big Markets. And just like the name suggests, it’s all about big energy, big creativity, and a big day out for all ages.

There’ll be 72 stalls of local (and incredibly talented) makers, designers and artists, plus free weaving and art workshops, bubble and balloon performers, live music, food trucks, and even a full-sized community mural you can help paint (how good’s that?).

There’ll be a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, followed by performances from The Glenn Dancers and First Nations dancers, paying tribute to the deep cultural roots of creativity on the Coast.

It’s fun, it’s family-friendly, and best of all – it’s free. So pack a picnic rug and make a day of it!

Find out more about the Make It Big Markets, Central Coast’s biggest artist and makers market.

The Big Draw Festival – Sunday 15 June

Love a sketchpad? Or just want to let your creativity run wild for an afternoon? The Big Draw Festival is for you. This global celebration of drawing lands at the gallery for one day only, transforming the studios and gardens into a giant, interactive sketchpad.

You’ll find 10 free interactive stations led by contemporary artists including Emma Fielden, Mollie Rice, Maree Azzopardi, Gary Shinefield and Monika Diak, who’ll be running her popular mirror drawing and self-portrait workshop. There’s also live music in the Japanese tea house – and today marks your last chance to check out the gallery’s 25 Moments exhibition, a look back at key highlights from the past two and a half decades.

Emerging Art Prize – 28 June to 24 August

This year’s Emerging Art Prize finalists are shaking things up, with bold new work that challenges form, function and a few expectations. From installation to digital media, the show shines a light on what’s next in contemporary art – and it’s all happening right here in East Gosford.

Winners will be announced on Friday 27 June at 6pm, judged by curator Sebastian Goldspink.

Gosford Art Prize 2025 – Bigger and Bolder

The big one. The Gosford Art Prize returns later in the year with its biggest prize pool yet – including a $25,000 major acquisitive prize, plus $10,000 awards for ceramics, moving image and First Nations artists. Open to creatives across Australia working in all mediums, entries open 16 May, with the exhibition running from 6 September to 9 November.

Gosford Regional Gallery, Central Coast NSW

With three gallery spaces, year-round exhibitions, school holiday workshops, artist talks and one very peaceful Japanese garden next door, Gosford Regional Gallery is more than just a gallery. It’s a space to learn, connect, create and slow down. For 25 years, it’s supported artists, inspired visitors and helped turn art into something everyone can be part of.

So whether you’re here for the paintings, the performances, or just the food trucks and good vibes – Gosford Regional Gallery’s 25th birthday celebrations are your excuse to join in.

Come for the markets. Stay for the workshops. Leave feeling just that little bit more connected to the creative spirit of the Coast.

READ MORE: Discover the Central Coast’s Arts Trail With Us