Expressions of Interest: Reimagining the Barham exhibition

Southern Otway Landcare Network invites you to ‘dream your best dream for the Barham River‘

Rivers are being re-thought internationally, and also in Australia.  Once viewed in Western cultures only as systems to be re-engineered to our liking – for transport and development, resource extraction, waste disposal – our mindset is shifting to recognise their vital importance to healthy Country and people.

The Barham River rises in the Otway Ranges and carries water year-round through the landscape to the sea at Apollo Bay.  Along this journey it travels 18.5 km (via an east and west branch) and descends 481 metres.  The Barham is central to our community and provides water for Apollo Bay and its hamlets of Marengo and Skenes Creek.

However, there are many signs that the river is not well and needs our help.

In 2026, SOLN is inviting the whole community to contribute to an exhibition focussing on the Barham’s place in our lives, the landscape, our imaginations, and our future.  It’s an art exhibition of storytelling, reflection and vision for our waterway, where you’re invited to ‘dream your best dream for the Barham River’.   

The Reimagining the Barham exhibition will take place in Apollo Bay’s beloved Mechanics Hall, from 26 April until 8 June 2026.  All artworks can be sold during the exhibition period, and there are no entry or commission fees.  The only requirement is that your piece must be on show for the entire exhibition period.

If you’d like to exhibit an artwork at Reimagining the Barham, PLEASE EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE!

NOTE: Expressions of Interest must be received NO LATER than 15th February 2026.  All selected artworks must be ready by 1st April 2026.