The inaugural Art Byron will gather local and nationally celebrated artists for a feast of events, including exhibitions, gallery talks, music, film, a multi-media installation and an art dinner from Friday September 30 until Monday October 3. The four-day contemporary art gathering was envisioned by renowned First Nation artist Karla Dickens who lived through the devastating March flood events that swept across Bundjalung country around Lismore. Art Byron will include three main exhibitions, all curated by Ms Dickens. All galleries will be open to the public with a gold coin donation.

The Byron School of Art (BSA) in Mullumbimby features flood-inspired works by Lismore-based artist Michael Donnelly, as well as neon and sculptural works by Hiromi Tango, works by internationally acclaimed photographic artist Polly Borland, local differently abled artist Zion Levi, works in paint and clay by artist Stephen Bird and a floral installation by Selena Murray. Opening on September 30, the BSA exhibition will also host a series of talks, while the BSA building itself will be transformed into a night-time multi-media installation.

THOM Gallery is also joining the Art Byron program, hosting an exhibition by the Tennant Creek Brio at the gallery’s Fern Place space. The Tennant Creek Brio began life as an Aboriginal men’s art therapy program and was recently included in the Sydney Biennale. The current group’s collective work is a dynamic interplay of Aboriginal desert traditions, abstract expressionism, action painting, found objects, street art and art activism.

Another unique feature of Art Byron will be the Sunseeker Artist Hub which will be the central meeting place for artists throughout the four-day event. The Sunseeker will host events for Art Byron’s three artists in residence – The Tennant Creek Brio, Laith McGregor and Polly Borland, and a BBQ and Arts Market. To top it off, artist Ozzy Wright and artistic upholsterer Paige Miller are joining forces to transform a room in the Sunseeker motel into an interactive art installation.

To view the complete program and plan your itinerary, head to the Art Byron website today.