The region’s premier arts festival, CREATE, will return with a bang when festivities start in almost two weeks.

Now in its fifth year, CREATE continues to be a celebration of community, creativity, and innovation. Across 16 days, the Narrabri Shire Council event will transform the region into a living canvas. People are invited explore the endless possibilities of this year’s theme, ‘Dream’.

In readiness for the celebration of all things creative, the Namoi Women’s Shed has been busy crafting a large dream catcher that will take pride of place at The Crossing Theatre.

The monumental dream catcher, which organisers hope will be the largest in NSW, symbolises unity, empowerment, and the strength of community.

Crafted with love and resilience, it invites viewers to reflect on their own dreams and aspirations.

Each woven thread represents the collective hopes of women in the Namoi region, creating a powerful visual connection to the dreams that unite us all. The piece encourages all to embrace their dreams with courage and hope for a brighter future.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens said CREATE was an event all in the shire could be proud of.

“It’s now becoming the envy of this part of the world,” Cr Tiemens said. “We’re not just the sportiest town, we are now also fast becoming a
creative hub.”

CREATE 2025 EVENTS

Opening night

There’s no better way to get into the mood for CREATE than going to the Opening Night Bash. With a glass of bubbly in your hand, exquisite canapés, and a group of friends it will be so easy to get lost among the artworks.

Set amongst the main exhibition at The Crossing Theatre, there will be an installation titled, ‘In Your Wildest Dreams’ in the main auditorium. This interactive installation takes you through an alternate reality dreamscape.

The very first exhibition showcasing artworks from local artists living with disabilities, ‘Through the Windows of Imagination’, which is an artistic lens or perspective of how differently artists see the world. The artists in this exhibition are living with many types of disabilities – from mild to severe – with a huge variety of outcomes.

The biggest dream catcher the north west has ever seen, dream-themed multi-medium artworks from local Namoi Women’s Shed.

To offset the atmosphere of this visual feast there will be an exceptional musical backdrop provided by Lake Kelly.

Opening night: February 28, The Crossing Theatre, from 7pm. Adults $55 – includes live music, canapes and two glasses of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink. Book here.

Exhibitions – The Crossing Theatre

There are three exhibition spaces showcasing the works of over 20 artists.

The theme ‘Dream’ invites you to explore the limitless possibility of creativity.

“In Your Wildest Dreams” is not just an installation; it’s an odyssey into the depths of your imagination.

And the dedicated exhibition, “Through the Windows of Imagination”, is the first showcase of works from local artists living with disability.

February 28 to March 11, 10am to 3pm daily. Free entry, although a gold coin donation would go a long way in helping to ensure CREATE grows on a yearly basis.

In Your Wildest Dreams

Step into a realm where reality blends seamlessly with fantasy.

“In Your Wildest Dreams” is not just an installation; it’s an odyssey into the depths of your imagination.

Every corner of the auditorium is alive with vivid illusions and sensory wonders. The boundaries of the physical world dissolve as you find yourself wandering through enchanting landscapes and surreal visions.

Prepare to be dazzled by a symphony of colours, lights, and sounds that dance around you, creating a dreamscape that captivates the senses and stirs the soul.

Prepare to be dazzled by a symphony of colours, lights, and sounds that dance around you, creating a dreamscape that captivates the senses and stirs the soul.

Delight in the unexpected as you journey through this magical experience, where the extraordinary becomes the norm and every moment is a fantastical adventure.

Through the Windows of Imagination

This exhibition invites you to experience the world through the unique perspectives of local artists living with disabilities.

Each artwork serves as a window into their imagination, offering a glimpse into how they perceive and interact with the world around them.

For these artists, creativity is not just an expression, but a powerful tool for communication, transformation, and connection.

From different backgrounds and abilities, these artists bring their visions to life, expanding our understanding of what is possible. Join us in celebrating their creativity and the beauty of seeing the world through a different lens.

Palmer Pop-Up Gallery ‘A Country Dream’

An exhibition by Deb Michell-Smith, Pip Donaldson and Tilla Winston-Smith.

Join award-winning landscape artist Deb Michell-Smith, country-themed watercolour artist Pip Donaldson, and local flower grower and photographer Tilla Winston-Smith for the opening of A Country Dream, a special group exhibition celebrating the beauty and spirit of country life.

The exhibition will feature a stunning collection of works that explore rural landscapes, country themes, and the delicate beauty of flowers captured through photography and art.

Official opening February 27, 6pm. Free. Exhibition dates February 28 to March 14. Open daily from 9am to 1pm and some evenings. The Palmer Room, Tourist Hotel.

Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre

Join the celebration for the WWCA&CC’s third birthday Behind the Yellow Door at the opening night of “A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes”.

The Main Gallery will be showcasing “She Dreams in Colour” a solo exhibition by Sydney Artist Kelcie Bryant-Duguid.

Gallery and workroom will be open throughout the exhibition.

Ticket price includes live entertainment, complimentary canapés and drinks throughout the evening, and a take-home illustration for guests.

Official opening Friday, March 7. Wee Waa Community Arts & Cultural Centre, 7pm. Tickets $35, bookings essential. Enquiries 0487 030 069. Book here.

Exhibition dates Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday March 7 to 16, 10am to 4pm. Free entry to exhibition.

Narrabri Art and Craft Society

Narrabri Art and Craft Society welcomes you to a place where members have crafted, created and painted their individual experiences and dreams.

The shop, gallery and workroom will be open throughout the showing of the exhibition.

Refreshments will be served and the prestigious Betty Berriman award for best work will be presented.

Official opening 11am Saturday, March 8. Free. Enquires 0487 030 069.

Exhibition dates March 8 to 16, 10am to 3pm daily.

Solo exhibition – Vicky Phelps

Vicky Phelps is a full-time farmer’s wife, mother, grandmother and part-time mixed media artist from Rowena who loves to teach, share and learn.

As a visual artist, Vicky works in a number of different media and mixed media combinations. These include painting, drawing, relief printmaking, wooden assembly, metal etching, book making, recycle art and appliquéd fibre composite but her biggest love is journalling. Most of these approaches address parallel themes of colour, texture, quirky and slightly abstract.

March 8. Time TBC. Baan Baa Community Hall, Baan Baa. Free.

Workshops – Pilliga Pottery clay workshops:

Ballie Bowl workshop

Suitable for ages 8+. This is a fun class where you create a little bowl made up of lots of rolled up balls. You can even give your bowl some quirky upgrades such as legs and feet and/or heads and tails! 45 minutes. Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre. March 1, 11am. $40. Book here.

Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre. March 2. 11am. $40. Book here.

Adults’ Treasure Dish Workshop

This workshop teaches you to make your very own treasure dish! Let your imagination on run wild by shaping and decorating it however you like.

Can also be used as a snack dish. Fun for all ages. 45 minutes. Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre. March 1, 12.30pm. $35. Book here.

Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre. March 2. 12.30pm. $35. Book here.

Kids’ Treasure Dish Workshop

Suitable for ages 6+. This workshop teaches you to make your very own treasure dish!

Let your imagination run wild by shaping and decorating it however you like. Can also be used as a snack dish. Fun for all ages. 45 minutes. Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre. March 1, 9.30am. $35. Book here. 

Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre. March 2, 9.30am. $35. Book here.

Chalk Dreams

Join this fun workshop using the humble medium that is chalk!

Learn different methods such as water brushing, spraying and blending etc from tutor Jo Hannaford. Unleash your inner storyteller to help bring the traditional story of The Rainbow Serpent to life!

Cost is free and all materials are provided, bookings are essential. This workshop will be held in three different locations over the region. (Bring water, a hat and sunscreen).

Narrabri Region Visitor Information Centre. March 1, 10am to 12pm. Free. Book here.

Boggabri Art Trail. March 8, 10am to 12pm. Free. Book here.

Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre. March 15, 10am to 12pm. Free. Book here.

Mosaic workshops – Awan Eveleigh

This workshop is designed for everyone to make a lovely a piece mosaic work for inside their home. Modern mosaic work now uses many different tesserae, from glass and bottle caps to beads and different types of ceramic tiles, including broken crockery. It helps if you already have an idea when you arrive; that way, it can be transferred onto the substrate.

There will be tiles and other tesserae available, however, it is always good to bring in some crockery of your choice, as this makes your mosaic individual. It also allows you to have your own colour palette. It is suggested that you choose pieces of the same thickness.

Please be aware the glue requires a minimum of 10 hours to dry, so grouting cannot be done on the day of the Saturday workshop. Awan will show students the grouting process, so that they can either take their pieces home to grout or leave mosaic work to be grouted and pick up the following Saturday. Morning tea will be provided. See booking page for details on appropriate clothing and what students need to bring.

Namoi Women’s Shed. March 2, 10am to 3pm. $120. Kids’ bookings here.

Boggabri Women’s Shed INC, Uniting Church Hall. March 9, 10am to 3pm. $120. Adult bookings here.

Lego Library Workshops – Narrabri Shire Libraries

Ignite your child’s imagination with CREATE with LEGO After School Workshops! Free entry.

Narrabri Shire Library, March 3, 3.30-4.30pm; Wee Waa Library, March 4, 3.30-4.30pm; Boggabri Library, March 8, 9.30am to 12pm.

Bunnings Paint and Pour Workshop

Bring the kids down to Bunnings Narrabri to explore the dreamy abstract art of paint flow.

By creating fluid arts using acrylic paint they will create their very own tray and piece of art that they get to take home. All materials will be provided in this free workshop.

Please note, you will get dirty so wear appropriate clothing.

Bunnings Narrabri. March 6, two sessions available (4-5pm and 5-6pm). Free.

Community Dream Weaving Workshop – Kate Briggs

Weaving is a skill for life, this traditional art is found in most indigenous cultures around the world.

Weaving has been kept alive by being passed down through generations. Weaving is not only about the product but also the people you meet the skills and stories you learn and share.

There is something meditative about a weaving article that leaves you feeling calm, connected, and accomplished.

Coil weaving for beginners will provide you with new skills to weave your own unique piece.

Learn the skills to make a small basket, neck or head piece.

Raffia, emu feathers, assorted native seeds and other Non-traditional materials will be available to add your own uniqueness to your piece.

You will be provided with a beginner’s pack to weave your own unique piece. Take home a range of materials and information to get your weave on.

Riverside Room, The Crossing Theatre, March 8, 12-3pm. $80. Book here.

Exploring Lino Printing and Card Making and Stitch – Kelcie Bryant-Duguid

Explore a range of options for lino block printing, printing with and without a press, chine colle, printing on a variety of printed papers, hand-coloured prints, lino print editioning and how to incorporate stitch into your prints.

Participants will design and carve a small lino block, emboss their design on paper and print a variety of papers and on fabric. Finished prints can be made into cards, embellished and framed for display.

Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre. March 8, 10am to 4pm. Members $125, non-members $135. Book here.

Create Your Own Dream Journal – Vicky Phelps

In this one-day workshop, you will build a hardcover journal, from scratch with removable pages. You will be able to release your creative spirit to decorate the covers using simple mixed media techniques.

Then attach the colourful Metal Loose Leaf Mechanism that holds the pages. With the remaining time we will create pages as well as funky page shapes and decorate.

You will end up with a permanent journal that you can add and remove pages, no painting experience required, everything supplied and a fun day planned!

Baan Baa Railway Hotel. March 8. Time TBC. $80.

Drawing, Colouring and Text With The Sewing Machine – Kelcie Bryant-Duguid

In this one-day workshop participants will explore the possibilities that free machine embroidery offers using a domestic sewing machine.

We will draw, colour and write text with our sewing machines on a range of substrates including fabric and paper. Participants will experiment and make a small machine-embroidered brooch or stitched picture for framing.

This workshop is suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers.

Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre. March 9, 10am to 4pm. Members $125, non-members $125. Book here.

The Alignment Project – Kate Kahl

CREATE Your Vision. Align Your Energy. Live Your “Why.”

The Alignment Project offers you the opportunity to press pause, reflect, and gain crystal-clear clarity on your personal “why,” your core values, and what you want to achieve in 2025.

Through guided exercises and kinesiology techniques, you’ll connect with your deepest intentions and bring them to life by creating personalised mood boards that visually represent your goals across key areas of your life.

Together, you will be energetically aligned with this vision through a transformative group balancing session as well as with a personalised remedy, ensuring your goals resonate deeply on every level. Using cutting-edge AI, you will also create a tailored action plan to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. This is more than just a workshop – it’s your chance to reset, recharge, and step boldly into the life you’re meant to create.

To bring: Laptop or phone, pen and paper, water bottle.

Are you ready to uncover what truly drives you and create a vision for your life that feels authentically you? Morning tea included.

Riverside Room, The Crossing Theatre. March 9, 10am to 1pm. $60. Bookings essential. Book here.

Leap of Faith Disability Workshop – Robin Stieger

Paint, draw and print dreams and imaginings. Art for fun and friendship.

To create these pictures will take a leap of faith. Artists and supporters will guide participants through several exciting art making processes. Refreshments and snacks provided.

Narrabri Art & Craft Society workroom. March 13, 10am to 12pm. Free. Bookings Essential 0487 030 069.

Miss Mollee Workshop

Come and create your own ‘dream’ pair of earrings with Jenny Mapstone from Miss Mollee Designs.

Learn some simple yet effective techniques using this amazing creative medium called polymer clay. 18 years and over only.

The Palmer Room, Tourist Hotel. March 13, 6-8pm. $65. Book here.

Mixed Media Surrealism Collage Workshop

Join local artist Deb Michell-Smith for a hands-on, creative workshop where you’ll explore the exciting world of mixed media surrealism and collage.

In this fun, relaxed class, you’ll learn how to layer, image transfer, and print onto your collage while exploring composition, colour theory, and gluing techniques.

Starting with the theme “Dream,” you’ll gather materials, perfect your technique, and create a unique A3 artwork to take home.

Whether you come with a friend or meet new ones, it’s all about embracing creativity and experimenting with new ideas.

Narrabri Art & Craft Society. March 15, 10am to 1pm. $30. Book here.

Annabelle Guest

Get ready to unleash your CREAT-ivity with native flowers.

Join Annabelle Guest, the amazing founder of Narrabri Native Flowers, and create a stunning native flower arrangement that is yours to keep.

Multi-purpose room, Narrabri Aquatic Centre. March 16, 10am to 1pm. $80 – all materials supplied.

NarraBRIGHT

NarraBRIGHT is an annual street party of light, music, art and food, and a highlight of the CREATE Festival.

Returning in 2025 for its fifth year, the colourful spectacle has become a highly anticipated all of community event, attracting many regional visitors.

Maitland Street. March 14, 6pm-11pm.