28 March – 6 April 2026 – 10 days of creativity
Now in its sixth year, the Blackwood River Arts Trail continues to grow as one of the most vibrant celebrations of art, creativity, and community in the Southwest. What began in 2020 as a local initiative in Nannup has evolved into a major regional event spanning ten days and multiple towns across the Blackwood Valley.
A Festival Born from Community Spirit
The Blackwood River Arts Trail was founded by Nannup artist Miranda Free, who felt there needed to be an Arts Festival to give the town something to look forward to during Covid. With studios closed and social connection limited, she created an opportunity for artists to open their doors—literally—and share their work with the community.
What started in Nannup soon expanded. By the second year, Bridgetown joined the Trail, followed by Boyup Brook and Balingup as the momentum grew.
The festival’s success laid the foundation for new creative ventures, including the Blackwood River Film Festival, which collaborates with Revelation Films to showcase Australian short films and feature works across Nannup, Bridgetown, Balingup and Boyup Brook during the weekend.
Photo of Miranda Free by Rebecca McQueen Photography
Treescape by Melinda Stephens
Vessel by Marijke Tromp
The 2026 Trail: Growing Bigger and Bolder
This year, many of the founding artists return—a testament to the trail’s warm community and ongoing popularity. In 2026, the Blackwood River Arts Trail proudly expands again to include the Donnybrook region, part of the Donnybrook–Balingup Shire and an important contributor to the creative fabric of the Blackwood Valley.
Donnybrook is home to an inspiring artisan collective of more than 60 artists, currently moving into a new dedicated arts space gifted to their group. They also have the Darlimurla Garden Studio, where four talented artists collaborate in a charming, shared setting.
We also have new exhibitors from Mumballup, Mullalyup, and Cundinup, broadening the diversity of artistic styles and practices.
Across the entire trail, visitors can expect an exciting mix of:
• Art
• Mosaics
• Mixed Media
• Ceramics
• Sculpture and metalwork
• Printmaking
• Fibre and Textiles
• Basketry
• Weaving
• Fine furniture
• Landscape art
Studio Window by Zita Klaphake
Meet the Artists and See Creativity in Action
One of the most cherished aspects of the trail is the chance to meet artists in their own spaces. Visitors can watch works in progress, see demonstrations and take part in hands on experiences.
Highlights include:
• Cher Shackleton (Nannup) and Vivienne Litson (Bridgetown) demonstrating wheel throwing
• Liz Janney (Jalbarragup) inviting visitors to weave on her “Friendship Scarf” loom
• Thelma Clunning (Nannup) offering a variety of mixed media workshops
Mrs Brightly Steps Out by Thelma Clunning
Pottery by Vivienne Litson
Experience Nature, Food, Wine, and More
The Blackwood region’s beauty is as much a part of the festival as the art itself. The Blackwood River winds through each participating town—Nannup, Bridgetown and Boyup Brook—featuring wineries, cafes, the beautiful countryside, orchards, forests, farmland, and valleys.
Each town offers a distinct charm:
- Nannup - A town rooted in forestry history
- Bridgetown - Rich with old world charm, nestled in the Blackwood River Valley
- Boyup Brook - A warm farming community with a classic country feel
- Donnybrook - WA's apple and fruit capital
- Balingup - Set in a picturesque valley with vibrant festivals
Get inspired by the scenery! In Boyup Brook, the festival opens with an En Plein Air event, featuring $800 in prize money donated by the Boyup Brook Co op. With its picturesque scenery, it’s the perfect place to paint outdoors.
Pottery by Gary Hambleton
Plan Your Festival Experience
The full Art Trail Guide is available at Jacksons stores, who have supported the festival since day one. Distribution across such a wide region is no small task, and their support makes the trail accessible to everyone.
You can also explore:
• The online festival guide and artist profiles at blackwoodriverartstrail.com
• The Experience Nannup App, which includes interactive offline maps and complete festival information
Thank You to Our Supporters
The festival is made possible thanks to the support of:
- Shires in the region of Donnybrook/Balingup, Nannup, Bridgetown–Greenbushes, and Boyup Brook
- Talison Lithium
- Ampersand
- Black Cockatoo Distillery
- Double Barrel Entertainment
- donnyBOOKS & GIFTS
The 2026 Blackwood River Arts Trail invites you to slow down, explore, and connect—with artists, with the region, and with creativity itself. Whether you’re a returning visitor or discovering the trail for the first time, you’ll find a great experience waiting around every corner.
