Event Type: Free

Opening Event :
Thursday 17 April 2025 @ 5.30pm

Exhibition Dates :
Friday 18 – Sunday 27 April 2025
Daily 10:00am – 4:00pm

Michelle Hiscock, Sue Nettlefold, Julie Williams, Gina Bruce

Four painters, three from Sydney painters and one from Tasmania, connected through their association with the National Art School, and a love of landscape, are coming together to showcase their unique approaches to painting and drawing the world around us.

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Michelle Hiscock trained at the Canberra School of Art (ANU). Her powerfully evocative early landscapes were well received by collectors and critics, and she has continued to develop a pictorial language based on a contemporary interpretation of the classical landscape tradition.

Hiscock has lived in Japan and France and travelled widely sketching in Europe. She has had 15 solo exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and is regularly a finalist in national competitions such as the Archibald Prize, Portia Geach Memorial Art Award and the Gallipoli Art Prize. She has had survey exhibitions at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery and Rusten House in Queanbeyan.

Sue Nettlefold is a Tasmanian based painter with a particular focus on building creativity in Community. Since her return to Tasmania in 2008 Sue has completed an MFAD in painting at UTAS in 2017 and established the Spring Bay Studio and Gallery on the East Coast in 2011.  

Sue’s recent solo exhibition, ‘Vantage Point’ at Sidespace Gallery in 2022, was followed by an invitation to participate in Paint 2022, Relationships and Limitations, in Launceston and Devonport (Polmeina and Nant Galleries). Sue has exhibited in Sydney and Melbourne over many years before her return to Tasmania in 2008.

Sue was recently awarded ‘Citizen of the Year, 2025’ for her cultural contribution to the East Coast.

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Julie Williams is an Australian painter, printmaker and teacher who divides her time between studios in Sydney and Hill End, NSW.  Julie also exhibited in Paint 22, Relationships and Limitations in both Launceston and Devonport, Tasmania.

Julie has exhibited widely in Sydney, Regional Galleries in NSW and in South-East Asia during her 5 years living in Singapore. Her work is held in both public and private collections.  She has been a finalist in the Paddington Art Prize in Sydney on more than one occasion including their inaugural exhibition.  

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Gina Bruce is a celebrated painter known for her en plein air works and exploration of landscape and figurative compositions. She graduated with Honors from the National Art School after completing a commerce degree at the University of Sydney. Bruce has held nine solo exhibitions at the Robin Gibson Gallery and earned notable awards, including the Waverley Art Prize (2011) and the Lloyd Rees Memorial Youth Art Award (2002). Residencies, such as at the Denise Hickey Paris studio (2003) and Nokia Asia Pacific Art Award in Bangkok (2002), have contributed to shaping her career.

Exhibition Dates :
Friday 2 – Sunday 25 May 2025
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday* & Sunday 11:00am – 3:00pm

John Coleman’s companion album Amber and the Flow can be accessed HERE

*Live Music from 1:00pm – 3:00pm on Saturdays

Seeing this Place, a collection of 20 paintings and charcoal drawings, is singer-songwriter John Coleman’s visual ode to the ephemeral and pervasive beauty of South East Tasmania.

Seeing this Place is a visual celebration of South East Tasmania. The collection of oil paintings and charcoal drawings are companions to a new album of original songs exploring life in Tasmania, titled “The Amber and the Flow”. 

“Nearly nine years ago I moved permanently to Susans Bay (SE Tasmania) and was able to convert the shed in our yard into a studio where I have been able to  continue my writing and painting practices. The paintings, drawings and songs are for me a kind of thank you for the gift of sea and sky – hills and silence.  While my songs are often narrative reminiscences, the making of my paintings has become my other way of “seeing”. The songs are emotional and conceptual but the making of the artworks is another contemplative way – a complementary and “slower” way. My practice is a response to the ever-present invitation to set aside circling thoughts and to dwell deeply in the “particular” – the small, the vast, the natural, the blue and the green and the patches of light – the lovely light. This deep looking and the subsequent creation feel more akin to bird watching and contemplation rather than an exercise of intellect and imagination. And so, my intention with this exhibition is to communicate something of the peace and beauty of this place where we live.

My landscape method is one that usually begins with a tramp along shores and bushland, stopping periodically to sketch and photograph. It’s about seeing and being affected by light, colour, smell and sound – the delicious immersion in landscape. There is always warm anticipation in this first stage. Back in the studio I will create one or two charcoal drawings that help me to know the contours and note the points of attraction for me. Often there’s a sense of discovery as I realise what it was that drew me to this particular aspect of land and sky – whether the transformation of light to hillsides and rock faces, the geometry of a green-black belt of trees above tidal angularities, or the thick green foliage of wetland forest above the little bird filled lake. And always the sky and the land are equal actors. Of course, then there is the painting – all the steps that occur before the final subtleties and the knowing that “it is done”. 

I am seeing this place.”

– John Coleman (2025)

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John Coleman’s companion album Amber and the Flow can be accessed HERE

Opening Event :
Friday 9 May 2025, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Exhibition Dates :
Friday 2 – Sunday 18 May 2025
Monday – Friday 9:30am – 4:00pm
Saturdays 10:00am – 3:00pm
Sundays 11:00am – 3:00pm

HoCo Now : a showcase of Year 11 and 12 students from Hobart College’s 2024 cohort working in a variety of media.

Every year art students from across the state work hundreds of hours to produce art as part of their coursework, largely unseen except by peers and teachers.

HoCo Now is an annual survey of work from Hobart College, celebrating the depth and breadth of contemporary student practice. Featuring works across a diverse range of media—including painting, sculpture, digital art, photography, and installation—the exhibition highlights personal reflections, social themes, and technical skill of the next generation of artists.

Exhibition Dates :
Thursday 1 – Monday 12 May 2025
10:00am – 5:00pm daily
*Closing Early on FINAL DAY : 1:00pm on Monday 12 May 2025

Opening Event :
Friday 2 May 2025, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Works on paper is a broad phrase that indicates any artwork that uses paper as its main substrate.  The Works on Paper exhibition by four Hobart based artists present prints, drawings, artist books, collage, drawings, sculptures and paintings. Paper is the star of this exhibition.

Featuring works by Rebecca Coote, Ange Cooper, Kaye Green and Cathryn McCarthy-Ross.

Opening Event :
Friday 21 March 2025, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Exhibition Dates :
Saturday 22 – Sunday 30 March 2025
Monday – Friday 10:00am -3:00pm
Saturdays 9:00am – 4:00pm
Sundays 10:00am – 3:00pm

Step into Dot 25, a celebration of new work. Curated by Designed Objects Tasmania, this group exhibition brings together the unique talents of DOT’s community of makers and designers in one show.

Designed Objects Tasmania (DoT) proudly presents Dot 25, an exhibition celebrating exceptional design. This group show unites the creative talents of DOT’s community of makers and designers, featuring a diverse range of work across a range of materials. Combining a blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative vision, Dot 25 explores what design can be.

Opening Event :
Friday 4 April 2025, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Exhibition Dates :
Thursday 3 – Monday 14 April 2025
10:00am – 4:00pm Saturday – Wednesday
10:00am – 7:00pm Thursdays & Fridays

A presentation of works by three friends, Mark Buckland, Eo Greensticks and Steve Hargreaves. who have been exhibiting their work together for over a decade.

Artistically their styles and content are individually quite distinct, but somehow together it always seems to work.

Much of Eo’s work is large scale ferro-cement sculpture and bright paintings inspired by people like Joan Miro.

In this exhibition Mark is presenting a single work comprised of 486 works created over the last 35 years titled Check Mate – Experiments in Colour, Space and Time 1990 -2025.

Steve works mainly in oils, ceramics and photographic imagery.

Kirby Gibson

Exhibition Dates :
16 April, 2025 – 25 May, 2025
**Installation viewable 24/7

Say hello to Tasmania’s premier upcycled saddle collection!

The repurposing of old and broken saddles into functional and, more importantly, memorable pieces is a passion project of Kirby’s.

The Second Stride collection is incredibly unique and is an amalgamation of traditional leather working skills, a love of horses, and a yearning for a challenge!

Made completely by hand from repurposed leather from donated saddles, no two pieces are ever the same. From bags to wallets to notebook covers, Kirby takes your old saddles and crafts a nostalgic gem you can take with you wherever you go.

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!

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This event is a part of Salamanca Art’s Centre’s Hobart LitFest.

To view the full program, please visit this webpage.

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.

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Week Two Program

From Monday 7th – Saturday 12th April 2025

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.

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Monday 7^th April 2025 – 5:30PM
Free Event

‘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 8^th & Thursday 10th April 2025 – 10:30AM
Via Booking Only

Story Island Presents… ‘Mix, Match, Make!’

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 the school 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 9^th 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 12^th 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.

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Our Sponsors

Salamanca Art Centre’s Hobart LitFest is supported by the City of Hobart’s Event Grants Program.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support.

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.

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Sunday Program

Sunday 6^th 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 6^th 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.

The Presenter : Tansy Rayner Roberts

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Sunday 6^th April 2025 – 1:45PM
Sunday Ticket / Festival Ticket

Tassie Fireside Chat – From Page To Screen with Belinda Bradley & Franz Docherty

Join us for From 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.

The Presenters : Belinda Bradley and Franz Docherty

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• Sunday 6^th April 2025 – 2:45PM
• Sunday Ticket / Full Festival Ticket

Tassie Fireside Chat – Get Published, Tasmania!
Produced by Forty South Tasmania & Island Magazine

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.

The Presenters: Rayne Allinson (Forty South), Lucinda Sharp (Forty South), and Jane Rawson (Island Magazine)

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Sunday 6^th 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.

The Presenters : Arianne James, Rayne Allinson, and Patrick Gregory

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Sunday 6^th 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!

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Our Sponsors

Salamanca Art Centre’s Hobart LitFest is supported by the City of Hobart’s Event Grants Program.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support.