Theme: Regenerative Landscapes & Nature’s Rhythms (April 2026)

Local artists are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest for their artwork to be featured in Lightbox Lane.

About Lightbox Lane

Lightbox Lane is a biannual public art initiative that transforms a public space in the Lismore CBD into a vibrant evolving gallery, showcasing the creativity and cultural identity of region Lismore. This program provides a platform for local artists, art students and emerging creatives to share their work in a professional public setting, celebrating the diverse voices and stories that shape the Lismore community.

April 2026 Theme: Regenerative Landscapes & Nature’s Rhythms

This theme highlights the seasonal beauty of the Northern Rivers and explores cycles of regeneration, conservation, and nature’s rhythms. Artists are invited to interpret the theme in ways that speak to environmental sustainability, wellness, and ecotourism.

Key Influences from the Lismore, Nimbin & Villages Destination Management Plan (2024–2028):

• Gondwana Rainforests & UNESCO-listed sites: Celebrating the natural wonders of Border Ranges, Nightcap, and Wollumbin National Parks.
• Sustainability & Ecotourism: Addressing conservation, wildlife, and climate resilience as vital to tourism and community life.
• Koala Conservation: Lismore is home to one of Australia’s largest urban koala populations.
• Adventure & Outdoor Tourism: Inspiring works that reflect bushwalking, waterfalls, rivers, and hinterland adventures.

Suggested Visuals & Interpretations:

• Seasonal landscapes, misty hinterlands, rainforests, or waterfalls.
• Endemic wildlife such as koalas, lyrebirds, or frogs.
• Abstract pieces inspired by natural patterns—river flows, wind, constellations, or sun cycles.

Artist Information

Who Can Apply?

• Local artists living or working in the 2480 postcode
• Emerging and established artists, students, and recent graduates
• Artists across all mediums (painting, photography, digital art, mixed media, etc.), provided the work can be translated into a large-format printed display

Artwork Requirements

• Portrait orientation
• Final size: 1 m wide x 1.5 m high
• Print-ready file: high-resolution PDF or JPEG (300dpi, CMYK, with 5mm bleed)
• Ready to print and install (no commissions or post-selection development)

What We Provide

• Artist Fee: $560 (inc. GST) for each of the four selected artists, in line with NAVA (National Association for the Visual Arts) Payment Standard for Public Art.
• Printing & Installation: All production and display logistics will be managed in-house by Lismore City Council.
• Promotion & Exposure: Featuring artists on the Lightbox Lane webpage, social media, and at an official digital launch event

How to Apply

To Submit your Expression of Interest online please provide:

• Your name, contact details, and a short artist biography
• A brief statement (maximum 300 words) explaining how your work aligns with the theme “Regenerative Landscapes & Nature’s Rhythms”
• Up to three artwork concepts or portfolio samples - one artwork will be selected if your application is successful
• Any relevant links to your previous work (website and/or social Media)

Submit your EOI via the online form by Friday, 13 February 2026 at 4 pm.

Applications Open: Monday, 5 January 2026
Applications Close: Friday, 13 February 2026 at 4 pm

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Creative Alignment with the Theme: How well the artwork responds to Regenerative Landscapes & Nature’s Rhythms, highlighting cycles of renewal, conservation, and the natural beauty of the Northern Rivers.
• Artistic Quality and Originality: The strength, innovation, and distinctiveness of the artistic concept.
• Feasibility for Display: Suitability of the artwork for large-format printing and outdoor public exhibition (portrait orientation, 1 m x 1.5 m, print-ready specifications).

Additional Information for Selected Artists

• Production Timeline: Once selected, artists will have a dedicated production period to finalise their work for printing and installation. Further guidance will be provided to successful applicants.
• Artist Payments: Successful artists will be paid in line with the NAVA (National Association for the Visual Arts) Payment Standard for Public Art, ensuring fair and industry-recognised compensation for your creative work. If selected, you will receive further details on the payment process and be required to submit an invoice to Lismore City Council for the agreed fee.
• Artwork Requirements: Final artworks must be ready for high-quality printing and installation. They should be fully aligned with the exhibition theme and meet the technical specifications provided upon selection. This includes considerations for size, resolution, and durability for outdoor display. Printing and installation will be covered by Lismore City Council in-house, ensuring a seamless and professional presentation.

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

Artists are reminded to ensure their work respects cultural sensitivities, particularly if drawing inspiration from First Nations stories or local heritage. Artworks should be original, respectful, and aligned with community values. Any work that includes culturally sensitive material must have appropriate permissions and acknowledgments.

Introduction to Future Themes:

Lightbox Lane's rotating exhibition themes are designed to reflect the cultural, environmental, and creative diversity of the Lismore, Nimbin, and Villages region. These themes align closely with the Lismore, Nimbin & Villages Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2024-2028, which emphasises celebrating local culture, nurturing creative industries, and supporting regenerative tourism. This long-term vision ensures each exhibition contributes to the ongoing cultural narrative of the region, providing artists with meaningful opportunities to connect with their community.

Future Rounds Exhibition Themes – Lightbox Lane

Based on the Lismore, Nimbin & Villages Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2024-2028, future rounds of the Lightbox Lane exhibitions will explore themes that align with the region’s cultural, environmental, and creative strengths.

For future rounds information please see: www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Business/Business-support/Creative-industries

Questions

For enquiries, please contact Christabel Strong at business@lismore.nsw.gov.au or visit www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Business/Business-support/Creative-industries for more details.

This is an opportunity to have your artwork featured in a high-profile public space and contribute to Lismore’s creative landscape.