In a unique and breathtaking installation, for the first time in Australian arts history, a grand piano was placed in a threatened forest in Takayna for pianist Dave McEvoy to compose music and help save Takayna’s ancient landscapes from mining and logging.
Now, you’re invited to immerse yourself in David’s compositions, created during his time in the threatened Que Forest. Experience this 30-minute sound journey as Dave plays a grand piano in the Long Gallery, surrounded by powerful artworks from our Art for Takaynaresidency, created by artists who spent time in Takayna: one of Earth’s last wild places.
Lorenz Cherry/. Treasure Hunter (2024).Paper. Photograph by Matt Parry
Opening Event : Friday 18 July 2025, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Join us once again for the unstoppable force that is Art From Trash!
One of the largest community exhibitions in Tasmania, AFT explores every possible aspect of creative re-use, displaying an incredible range of talent from a range of artists from every walk of life.
Art From Trash is an annual exhibition that encourages the reuse of discarded materials in the production of amazing visual art.
Established in 1993, the Art From Trash exhibition has become an iconic and much loved exposé of creativity. Attracting over 120 artists and 5000 visitors annually, this event has proved itself as a powerful and much needed change agent for a better future.
Makers of all ages, styles and stages, from emerging talent to established practitioners, schools and community groups exhibit alongside each other in an exhibition of increasingly accomplished and thought-provoking works of art.
Held in the historic precinct of Salamanca in the Salamanca Arts Centre’s Long Gallery, this exhibition is for everyone.
Photo by Susan Wright. Takayna Forest featuring artist Dave McEvoy and a grand piano.
Opening Event : Thursday 5 June 2025, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Featuring fine art and performance works inspired by the region’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems, this exhibition showcases artists’ work depicting the significant landscape of Tasmania’s Takayna.
This year, one hundred artists travelled from every state in Australia to Tasmania’s Takayna for the 11th annual Art for Takayna residency hosted by Bob Brown Foundation.
The residency hosts each year’s artists to sit and gather inspiration for 5 days in this incredible landscape under threat from logging, mining and recreational vehicle use.
From the windswept dunes on the west coast, to the rugged mountains and Gondwana rainforest valleys, artists were led by Bob Brown Foundation’s campaigners and scientists on a deep immersion like no other.
In a unique and breathtaking installation, for the first time in Australian arts history, a grand piano was placed in a threatened forest for pianist Dave McEvoy to compose music to help save Takayna.
Pianist Dave McEvoy travelled from South Australia to compose and record music every day on the grand piano in an untouched rainforest on Forestry Tasmania’s logging schedule.
“My experience making music in this ancient place has given me an overwhelming sense that the forest is holding out a lifeline to us as a species. Takayna is home to one of the world’s last great temperate rainforests—a globally significant ecosystem—and I think we need to do everything we can to preserve it for the well-being and survival of future generations” – Dave McEvoy
Also joining the residency was one of Australia’s most famous political cartoonists, Jon Kudelka, who spent four days immersed in the rainforests threatened by mining company MMG’s proposed tailings waste dump.
“Takayna is a miracle of nature which the original owners managed to avoid clearfelling or poisoning with mine tailings for tens of thousands of years. Having been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, I feel a certain affinity with it, though I could hardly be described as a miracle of nature.
A few days in the rainforest making art was a tonic for me and I understand why people are willing to devote their lives to protecting it. Unlike my particular strain of cancer, which would require a medical miracle to cure, Takayna can be protected with a World Heritage listing and becoming a National Park, an entirely achievable result requiring basic good faith and a small amount of imagination.
If I manage to beat the odds and survive another twelve months, and Takayna hasn’t been vandalised beyond recognition for toilet paper and a tip, I would love to visit again. If you’re not convinced, go and take a look” – Jon Kudelka.
“The global heirloom of Takayna must have parliamentary leaders declare it a World Heritage-listed National Park. Our artists’ residency has recruited another cohort of ambassadors who will broadcast the urgent call for its protection through their art” – Jenny Weber, Bob Brown Foundation Campaigns Manager
Mon- Fri | 9.30am – 4pm Sat | 10am – 4pm Sun | 11am – 3pm
2024 welcomes the 30th year of ArtRage; showing a selection of the best 2024 Southern Tasmanian College Students’ art work.
Developed by QVMAG, ArtRage delivers an annual curated showcase of eclectic and diverse works by students in years 11 and 12 from across our island.*
Since its launch in 1994, this exhibition continues to provide an important platform for students studying art as part of their Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE), while supporting and celebrating the creativity and talent of budding artists state-wide.
QVMAG is proud to have developed a statewide reputation for fostering student artistic growth and enabling many perspectives, stories, and experiences to be shared with communities across Tasmania through ArtRage each year.
*Please note, although this is a statewide exhibition, works in the Long Gallery this year are a selection of the best 2024 Southern Tasmanian College Students’ art work.
Tues 24 June, 2025 7pm – 9pm (Doors open at 6.30pm) Live @ The Founders Room Salamanca Arts Centre 65b Woobys Lane, or for lift access enter through The Courtyard
Tickets are only $39+BF, or $35+BF for concession card holders, and with a further discount offered to SAC Associate members.
Peter Tanfieldwas born in England in 1961 and started the violin aged four. He studied in Germany, Israel, Switzerland and Holland where his teachers were Igor Ozim, Felix Andrievski, Alberto Lysy, Herman Krebbers and Yehudi Menuhin. He was a prize-winner at The Carl Flesch International Competition, International Mozart Competition, International Bach Competition amongst others. As soloist and chamber musician he has played throughout Europe, China, Japan, India, Canada, the Middle East, Africa, USA, and USSR. He has recorded numerous solo and chamber works for television and radio as well as CD. He has played for Chairman Deng in China and the Sultan of Oman.
As soloist Peter has appeared with many major orchestras; the Philharmonia, City of London Sinfonia, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, West German Radio Orchestra, Radio Symphony Orchestra of the RAI in Rome, Scottish Chamber Orchestra. As concertmaster, he has had extensive experience working with BBC Philharmonic, RSO RAI Roma, West German Radio Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Some of the artists and composers he has worked and performed with: Astor Piazzolla, Charlie Watts, Pinchas Zukerman, Yehudi Menuhin, Charles Wuorinen, Arvo Paert, Graeme Koehne, Gary Carr, Itzhak Perlman. Some of the conductors he has worked with are Carlo Maria Giulini, Claudio Abbado, Charles Dutoit, Louis Fremaux, Richard Hickox, Heinz Wallberg, Jun-Ichi Hirokami, John Adams, Oliver Knussen, Paavo Jaervi, Martin Brabbins, Gary Bertini, Georg Solti, Pierre Boulez, Simon Rattle.
Peter has been active as a teacher in Britain, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Australia organizing, coordinating and delivering courses and chamber music programmes for festivals and youth organizations. From 2002 to 2008 he was lecturer in violin and ensemble at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music, University of Tasmania. He was also Artistic Director of the Tasmanian Senior Youth Orchestra and the Derwent Symphony Orchestra, and has been Artistic Advisor to the Hobart Chamber Orchestra. Peter came to Australia in 1998 to lead the Australian String Quartet. Until he left in November 2001 he dedicated himself to the quartet’s development and teaching at the university of Adelaide, expanding the ensemble’s national profile, making two films for the ABC and becoming the Artistic Director of the Adelaide Chamber Orchestra.
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Please note that the Courtyard Lift IS OPERATING!
Doors & Bar open at 6:30pm Music begins at 7pm
The Long Gallery Level One, Salamanca Arts Centre
77 Salamanca Place Hobart. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This concert at Salamanca Arts Centre is supported by Arts Tasmania’s 2025 Arts Projects Fund. Salamanca Arts Centre is grateful for this support via Arts Tasmania and the Minister for the Arts.
A representation across a collection of mediums of Artosaurus‘ core value: Make Art, Be Happy.
The Printer, the Painter, the Potter, and Maker is a collaborative assemblage of artworks created by Artosaurus resident artists, mentors, teachers, and Art Club members.
Presented by Tassie Indie Authors as a part of Hobart LitFest
Sat 12 April, 2025 10am – 3pm Long Gallery Salamanca Arts Centre
Come along and check out Tassie’s best independent authors. Something for everyone with a range of genres on offer. Meet the authors. Buy the books. Book signings and giveaways!
A showcase of Tasmanian Indie Authors from across the state. Books available to buy direct from the authors. Come along, meet the authors, and find your next favourite read!. There is something for everyone – a range of genre from children’s books to thrillers, fantasy to romance and a range of memoir and non-fiction. Meet the author, get your book signed. Lots of giveaways and prizes!
Celebrate Hobart’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature at Hobart LitFest!
Join us for a dynamic program showcasing Tasmania’s finest writers, with engaging panels, book launches, interactive workshops, and intimate readings. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the literary talent that makes Hobart unique. The festival will culminate in an exciting Independent Book Fair, where you can discover and support local independent authors and publishers. Don’t miss out on this celebration of words, culture, and creativity in the heart of Tasmania.
Monday 7th & Wednesday 9th April 2025 – 10AM Via Booking Only
Young Writers High School Program Presented by Tasmanian Indie Author Group & Salamanca Arts Centre Salamanca Arts Centre are partnering with the Tasmanian Independent Author Group to present the Young Writers High School Program as a part of Hobart LitFest. This program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in three one-hour sessions led by independent authors from the Tasmanian Independent Author Group. During each session, students will participate in tailored writing workshops designed to inspire creativity, sharpen their writing skills, and explore new styles of expression. This interactive experience fosters a deeper connection to the writing process while encouraging self-expression and personal growth in a supportive, hands-on environment. To find out more, please visit the school booking system below.
‘Pony Tales’ Book Launch and Children’s Picture Book Panel Discussion Presented by Forty South Tasmania Join us for the launch of “Pony Tales: For the Love of Shetland Ponies” by Jacqui Sinclair Dickson, a collection of spirited stories and vivid charcoal drawings from a life-long horse-lover, writer and vision-impaired artist. The book will be launched by award-winning author/illustrator Fiona Levings (co-regional co-ordinator of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), followed by a discussion with other Tasmanian author/illustrators on their creative process.
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Tuesday 8th & Thursday 10th April 2025 – 10:30AM Via Booking Only
Collage and storytelling collide in this highly engaging and accessible creative workshop, brought to you by The Story Island Project. In Mix, Match, Make!, students will experiment with text and images cut out from magazines, books and newspapers to create their very own stories or poems in collage form. This dynamic workshop includes a mix of individual and group activities and, as students can engage with the materials at a variety of levels, it caters for a diverse range of abilities. Each group will be led by one of Story Island’s expert Story Leaders, with additional student support from our trained team of volunteers. To find out more, please visit theschool booking system below.
About Story Island The Story Island Project is a Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation that nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices. With the support of our enthusiastic volunteer tutors, Story Island runs free, dynamic storytelling workshops where young people are empowered to create their own stories. Our vision is for young people to harness the power of their imaginations so they can grow to be resilient and creative shapers of their own lives.
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Wednesday 9th April 2025 – 6:30PM Free Event
Tassie Indies Read Enjoy a showcase of Tasmanian Indie Authors reading their work. Ranging a number of genre styles of writing, come along and find your new favourite author!
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Saturday 12th April – 10AM til 3PM Free Event
2025 Tassie Indie Author Book Fair Come along and check out Tassie’s best independent authors. Something for everyone with a range of genres on offer. Meet the authors! Buy the books! Book signings and giveaways! Find out more here.
Story Island Project – A Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation that nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices.
The Hobart Bookshop– A proud independent and locally owned bookshop in Salamanca Square, Hobart, Tasmania.
Island Magazine– A not-for-profit premium Australian literary magazine of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and arts features.
Celebrate Hobart’s designationas a UNESCO City of Literature at Hobart LitFest!
Join us for a dynamic program showcasing Tasmania’s finest writers, with engaging panels, book launches, interactive workshops, and intimate readings. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the literary talent that makes Hobart unique. The festival will culminate in an exciting Independent Book Fair, where you can discover and support local independent authors and publishers. Don’t miss out on this celebration of words, culture, and creativity in the heart of Tasmania.
Sunday 6th April 2025 – 10:00AM Sunday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Festival Hub Open Welcome to the Hobart LitFest Hub – a cozy retreat for ticket holders! Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee as you unwind in a comfortable space designed for writer and readers alike. Whether you’re here to sit back with a good book, jot down your thoughts, or simply connect with fellow festivalgoers, our hub offers a perfect escape. Come in, recharge, and take a moment to enjoy the slightly quieter side of the festival.
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Sunday 6th April 2025 – 12:30PM Sunday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Creating Book Merch: Art and the Crowdfunding Author Festival goers will be guided through how to create your own unique book merch using DIY craft, local resources, and creative partnerships to create extra value for your crowdfunding campaigns. The presenter, Tansy Rayner Roberts, will discuss her own experiences and take you through ways to boost book sales using art & craft in the digital age.
Sunday 6th April 2025 – 1:45PM Sunday Ticket / Festival Ticket
Tassie Fireside Chat – From Page To Screen with Belinda Bradley & Franz Docherty
Join us forFrom Page to Screen with screenwriters Belinda Bradley & Franz Docherty as they share the process of crafting a screenplay and bringing it to life on film. Get an insider’s look at what it truly takes to transform a written script into a dynamic film, with Belinda and Franz exploring the journey from the page to the screen. Whether you’re an aspiring screenwriter, filmmaker, or film enthusiast, this event will offer valuable lessons and insider knowledge on the magic of storytelling for the screen.
Tasmania is producing some of the finest writing in the country, supported by a diverse and growing publishing industry. Join Island’s Jane Rawson and Forty South’s Rayne Allinson and Lucinda Sharp for a deep dive into what these publishing outlets are looking for, and how to kick-start your publishing career here in Tasmania.
Sunday 6th April 2025 – 4:00PM Sunday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Hobart as a UNESCO City of Literature: What It Means for Tasmania Join us for an exciting panel event on Hobart as a UNESCO City of Literature: What It Means for Tasmania’s Future. This forward-looking discussion will explore the transformative potential of Hobart’s UNESCO recognition, focusing on how it will shape the state’s literary and cultural landscape in the years ahead. Local authors and experts will discuss the opportunities for growth in the local literary scene, fostering collaborations, and nurturing a new generation of writers and creatives. Don’t miss this chance to hear how Hobart’s designation is paving the way for a brighter, more dynamic cultural future for Tasmania.
Sunday 6th April 2025 – 5:00PM Sunday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
LitFest Networking Event Join us at the Hobart LitFest Festival Hub for an exclusive networking event! Connect with fellow book lovers, authors, and industry professionals in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. Enjoy a complimentary drink upon entry as you mingle and share your passion for literature. This is the perfect opportunity to make new connections, exchange ideas, and be part of a vibrant literary community. Don’t miss out on this exciting event – where creativity and conversation flow!
Story Island Project – A Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation that nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices.
The Hobart Bookshop– A proud independent and locally owned bookshop in Salamanca Square, Hobart, Tasmania.
Island Magazine– A not-for-profit premium Australian literary magazine of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and arts features.
Celebrate Hobart’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature at Hobart LitFest!
Join us for a dynamic program showcasing Tasmania’s finest writers, with engaging panels, book launches, interactive workshops, and intimate readings. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the literary talent that makes Hobart unique. The festival will culminate in an exciting Independent Book Fair, where you can discover and support local independent authors and publishers. Don’t miss out on this celebration of words, culture, and creativity in the heart of Tasmania.
Saturday 5th April 2025 – 12:00PM Saturday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Opening Lines and Unresolved Issues: How to begin and how to end a really good story Katherine Johnson, Kathryn Lomer and Robbie Arnott are all Award-winning Tasmanian authors, who will be sharing some insights as to how they set their opening scenes, what to say at the end, and what might be best left unsaid.
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Saturday 5th April 2025 – 1:15PM Saturday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
People are so Gullible: Do Facts in History even matter anymore? Our world is full of heavy words and grand proclamations hurled with such passion and force because someone wants us to believe them. But saying something does not make it so. Esteemed Tasmanian historiansHamish Maxwell-Stewart, Robert Cox and Alison Alexander remind us of the value of Fact and Evidence in Writing History.
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Saturday 5th April 2025 – 2:30PM Saturday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
Short stories and Long shots: Weaving the improbable with the credible (in under 5,000 words) The short story has been a valued and favoured form for writers and readers for hundreds of years. What art is there in fashioning an engaging tale without the freedom of unlimited length. Cameron Hindrum, Leigh Swinbourne and Mallika Naguran have each published collections of short stories, and will share their thoughts on how to tame big ideas in order to reveal all that the reader needs to know, sometimes in only a few pages.
Burning Bridges, Burning Books & Burning Issues We have always lauded a writer’s courage to say what needs to be said. With subtlety and satire, history’s sacred cows have been subjected to scrutiny. Award-winning Tasmanian authors, includingAdam Ouston, Gina Mercer, and Ben Walter ponder the rights and obligations of the contemporary writer to say what they wish to say in an increasingly complex world.
A Distillation of the Language: Why Poetry is the highest form of writing. In this provocation, Pete Hay, Anne Kellas, and Sarah Day; three of Tasmania’s most highly regarded poets, will share why Poetry is their chosen form, and how Poetry, alone, allows human concerns, both personal and universal, to co-exist, and to be articulated within the most economic use of the English language.
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Saturday 5th April 2025 – 7:30PM Saturday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket
The Great Literary Debate – Plotting vs Pantsing “It’s better to fly by the seat of your pants than plan and plot your book in detail.”
Come and watch local Tasmanian authors battle out this contentious topic while their tongues remain firmly planted in their cheeks.
Story Island Project – A Hobart-based not-for-profit organisation that nurtures the creativity and writing skills of young Tasmanians and celebrates their diverse voices.
The Hobart Bookshop– A proud independent and locally owned bookshop in Salamanca Square, Hobart, Tasmania.
Island Magazine– A not-for-profit premium Australian literary magazine of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and arts features.
