Arts
22 July, 2026
Galloping along the trail
THE PREMIERE of music inspired by deep space, the opening of an art space studio, new venues, more music, and an exciting art installation that brings history to life in one of the shire’s most impressive heritage buildings.
THE PREMIERE of music inspired by deep space, the opening of an art space studio, new venues, more music, and an exciting art installation that brings history to life in one of the shire’s most impressive heritage buildings.
That’s the lineup launched on Friday for Loddon Valley Arts Trail in October.
“The Arts Trail has built year by year into a festival that defies expectations and challenges conceptions about what’s possible in a big regional shire like Loddon,”
Mayor Dan Straub said.
“With the backing of our community groups and businesses, it’s developed a reputation for bold and surprising exhibitions and events that make the most of Loddon’s landscapes, history, people and places.
“From Mitiamo to Kingower and many places in between, our Arts Trail has so many stars it’s like a brilliant constellation that will light up Loddon in October.”
One of the new venues added to the program is Serpentine Hall which will host an exhibition called Ordinary/Extraordinary.
Cr Miki Wilson says this is another exciting initiative for a community that is making its mark in the district.
“To see the Serpentine Hall being used to house such a wide range of art exhibitions just reinforces how popular the arts trail is becoming - from intricate cardboard sculptures and bird paintings to ceramics and landscape painting. This location, tucked away in lovely Serpentine will be another stop on the trail for the community to see the creativity of local and regional artists.
“Thanks to the hall committee and arts trail for incorporating this wonderful facility.”
Down the road in Calivil, the Memorial Hall is the site of one of the most spectacular exhibitions yet for the Arts Trail, according to trail co-ordinator Rosemary Sorensen.
The Look of Loddon will bring together the work of a group of photographers who have been documenting the people and places of the shire for many months.
“This will be like a big 2026 photo album, which will be an archive of this time and this place.
“Calivil is one of our showcase places because it is just such a memorable place to visit and not that many people know about it.
“We say to people, don’t just drive on by some of these interesting byways, take a look and enjoy the show. The East Loddon College students are back again in Calivil Hall again this year too, and their artwork theme is The Place Around Us.
“Last year their exhibit was fabulous so we’re keen to see what these creative young people come up with this time,” Rosemary said,
The festival will be staged at venues across the Loddon Shire on the first weekend of October.
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