The Guide: October 2026

8 Oct

Written By

Spring is in full swing, and October is one of the busiest months on the creative calendar, from our own backyard to the other side of the country.

Starting here on the Coast, The Path 2026 exhibition opens LANTANA Space tomorrow with artists sharing works developed during their time in the 2026 program facilitated by Dr Kellie O'Dempsey and delivered by SCCA through The Refinery.

The always popular Sunshine Coast Open House opens across the region from 16 to 25 October, and for lovers of all things film SHOWFEST takes place from 20-25 October across various locations.

Now in its sixth year on the Sunshine Coast, and a show not to be missed, SAMHAIN returns to The Old Ambulance Station at the end of the month, bringing together artists from Australia and Ireland across experimental music, sound, and visual art.

For artists, October is also a month to apply.

Applications are open for the K'gari Field Trip. Grounded in a respect for Indigenous knowledge, the program will offer embodied experiences and the opportunity to connect with and learn from Butchulla/Badtjala traditional owners, and highly acclaimed contemporary photo-media artist, Michael Cook. Michael has been working for the past year on K’gari as on the of the 2025 recipients of Creative Austrlia’s Australian World Heritage Residency. With a focus on lens based practice, this short program will be an unforgettable experience.

Sunshine Coast Council's Environmental Visitor Centres are also opening expressions of interest for 2027 exhibitions and residencies at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary.

Further afield in the land of festivals, both BLEACH* Festival (Gold Coast) and NAFA (Townsville) are on until 11 October, Adelaide Film Festival runs 14 to 25 October, and Sculpture by the Sea returns to Sydney's coastline this October and November. Closer to home Earth Frequency Festival returns to Woodfordia from 23 to 26 October.

Whether you're applying, travelling for a festival or catching something just up the road, we hope this issue sparks a few plans. Happy exploring.

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K’GARI FIELD TRIP: ART, TECHNOLOGY + ENVIRONMENT

Applications are closing soon for the SCCA Refinery Short Program | K’gari Field Trip (2-5 December 2026).

Presented in partnership with UniSC’s Creative Ecologies Research Cluster the program brings artists together to explore the intersection of art, science, technology and the environment.

Working alongside UniSC academics and guest artist Michael Cook, with support from Butchulla/Badtjala Traditional Owners, participants will experiment with creative technologies through workshops and mentoring.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Monday 12 October 9am (AEST)

SUPERANNUATION IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Superannuation in the creative industries can sometimes be complex and difficult to navigate.

To help creative workers and organisations better understand their superannuation rights and responsibilities Creative Workplaces held an online panel with experts from the tax, accounting and creative industries to unpack common superannuation scenarios.

Whether you're an independent creative, an employer, or part of an arts organisation, this recording offers practical knowledge and trusted resources so you can have greater confidence navigating superannuation obligations in the creative industries.

MAPPING THREADS: NICOLE VOEVODIN-CASH

Artist designer and maker of sculpture furniture landscapes installations, Nicole Voevodin-Cash creates experiences that both challenge and play on the interface between the body and the environment.

Mapping Threads: The making and markings of Nicole Voevodin-Cash brings together work from the artist’s 30-year interdisciplinary practice Nicole creates environments that invite exploration, lingering and playful participation

OPENING NIGHT: Thursday 15 October, 6 - 8pm (Free |Register here)

EXHIBITION: 16 October - 6 December 2026

**CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT: IMPACT INVESTMENT READINESS PROGRAM**

Arts organisations make a vital contribution to Australia’s cultural, social and economic life, however, many face challenges securing the capital needed to invest in growth and future sustainability.
Delivered in partnership with Creative Australia and Sefa this program supports creative and cultural organisations to build their business capability, sustainability, and readiness for future growth. Expression’s of interest open Monday 12 October 2026.
**Find out more about the** **program here**

**ART FAIR: CAIRNS INDIGENOUS ART FAIR (CIAF)**

Calling on Queensland First Nations artists, artisans, musicians, dancers and creative practitioners. Expressions of Interest are now open for **CIAF 2027**.
Opportunities include the Art Fair Showcase, Artisans Showcase, Music & Dance Program and Art Class series, with emerging and established practitioners encouraged to apply.
**DATES:** EOIs close 16 November 2026

**CONFERENCE: REGIONAL & REMOTE MUSIC SUMMIT**

Presented by MusicSA, **The Regional & Remote Music Summit** returns for its third year, taking place in Berrin, Mount Gambier.
Bringing together artists, industry professionals, community leaders and policymakers, the summit puts regional and remote voices front and centre for a national conversation about the future of music in regional and remote communities.
**Dates:** 28 - 30 October 2026

**FESTIVAL:** **RANGEBOW FESTIVAL**

Rangebow Festival takes over the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with ten days of art, performance, music, film, workshops and cultural experiences.
With events spread across towns including Nambour, Montville, Mapleton and Flaxton, it’s a chance to experience a different side of the Coast’s creative community.
**DATES:** 9 – 18 October, 2026.

**FESTIVAL:** **SHOWFEST 2026**

Film, games, digital storytelling and screen culture take over the Coast from **20–25 October** for SHOWFEST 2026.
The six-day program includes screenings, industry forums, games and screen events, professional development opportunities and the Sunshine Coast Screen Awards.
The **Screen Summit on Friday 23 October** is particularly worth putting on the radar for local screen practitioners, with a day of industry insight, panels, workshops and networking.
**DATES:** 20 - 25 October 2026

**FESTIVAL:** **MELT FESTIVAL**

Brisbane’s **Melt Festival** returns from **21 October – 8 November**, bringing together queer arts, culture and community across more than 70 venues.
The 2026 program includes visual art, theatre, performance, music, comedy and public art, alongside the **River Pride Parade on 24 October**. With more than 100 events across the city, it’s a big one for the creative calendar — and an easy trip down the Bruce for Sunshine Coast creatives looking to see what’s happening further afield.
**Dates:** 21 October - 8 November 2026

Image credits (from top): Image: K’gari Field Trip 2024 by Tricia King Photography / Image: Artwork by Martin / Creative Workplaces / Image: Courtesy of Nicole Voevodin-Cash / Image: Boud, D. (2023). THE HUM [Photograph]. Courtesy of Creative Australia. / Image: Keith Wikmunea, Yeel / Corella (2025). Photo: Michael Marzik. Courtesy of Wik & Kugu Arts Centre and Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF). / Image: Regional Music Summit. Carclew x Wildlive Showcase. September 2026. / Image: The Rangebow Festival (2024) / Image: Courtesy of Screen Collective / Image: The Huxleys, Peter, 2022. Courtesy of the artists and MELT Festival.