Arts Council announces 27th Kenilworth ArtsFest for May

Kenilworth is set to host the longest running art competition on the Sunshine Coast as the Kenilworth Arts Council announces its 27th ArtsFest, to be held from 23 to 25 May 2025. Held in the Mary Valley region of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the event promises to deliver a celebration of art, culture and community spirit.

Established in 1996, the annual ArtsFest has grown from modest beginnings in the Kenilworth Hall with borrowed boards and plinths to become a highlight on the arts calendar. The competition has attracted artists from near and far, showcasing work in both 2D and 3D media, including a dedicated section for ceramic art. All genres of artwork are welcome, and entries can be submitted via the Kenilworth Arts Council website at www.kenilwortharts.org.au until 6 May.

In a nod to the region’s culinary heritage, the ArtsFest is a satellite event of the GourMay Mary Valley Food Festival. This year’s competition includes a special prize for a 2D work that captures any aspect of food production in the Mary Valley, adding a unique twist to the contest. Past editions of the festival have seen significant support, including a $10,000 Mayor’s Prize from former Maroochy Shire Mayor Joe Natoli. Despite a shift in funding following the amalgamation into the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, the ArtsFest continues to thrive, bolstered by support from the Sunshine Coast Council.

The ArtsFest also highlights the talents of young artists through its Children’s Art and Poetry Competitions. Designed for age groups 4–7, 8–10 and 11–12 years, the competitions feature the theme ‘Gratitude’ and include a range of prizes from art supplies to books. The children’s event will be launched on 22 May, with presentations by children’s author Chris Collin and storyteller Ian Mackay.

Rounding out the programme is a Free Family Fun Day on Sunday, 25 May from 9am to 2pm, presented in collaboration with the Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce. A variety of stalls and hands-on art activities will provide entertainment and education for all ages. The festivities kick off with a gala opening at the Kenilworth Hall on Friday, 23 May at 5:30pm, where Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli will officially launch the festival and announce the winners of the various awards.

For further information or to submit entries, please visit www.kenilwortharts.org.au or contact the Arts Council at kac@kenilwortharts.org.au for further details.

Last year’s Art Award Winner Marcel Desbiens and his winning painting “Not Such a Real World”.