Hidden artistic and creative spaces
Hidden in plain sight across regional and suburban Australia are a host of artistic and creative spaces that few people know about. These are Australia’s regional and suburban art galleries.
The galleries offer innovative and exciting programs, yet no one seems to know about them. Why is this so?
Part of the problem lies in the general question of tourism in country towns and suburban Australia. Why bother? There is nothing to see. Nothing to do. How wrong are you?
Some of the best in Australia are at Bendigo, Bowral, Shepparton, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill, Murwillumbah, Griffith, Geelong, amongst others.
Tourism destination
Sociologist Don Edgar argues that
Australia has a unique network of regional art galleries which attract tourism, help local businesses thrive and contribute to overall regional development. {Generally] they offer free entry, lively children’s programs, often have a café space and do not scorn amateur local artists. (Edgar 2025)
Journalist Dan Stapleton wrote
It’s an open secret in the Australian art world: many of our most exciting galleries occupy quiet corners where few of us would think to look. These regional institutions don’t follow trends; instead, they aim to articulate something profound about the vast country in which we live.
Embued with the same charm, character and warmth as their local communities, these regional galleries prove sometimes the best things really are right under our noses. (Stapleton 2022)
Regional galleries often have exhibitions that you will not see in major metropolitan centres. They provide a platform for local artists who never make the cut at city galleries, showcasing artworks of exquisite quality and expression that inspire the soul. Travelling exhibitions find a place in regional galleries that never appear in the city.
Regional and suburban galleries tell the story of place through art, providing an insight into a community’s sense of place and identity. Art is storytelling, and these places tell the stories of country towns and suburban Australia.
On a recent road trip, I uncovered a couple of gems.
Singleton Art and Cultural Centre
Tucked away off the New England Highway in central Singleton is an understated building that is a regional gem of a gallery. I discovered a flood of colour and imagination in an exhibition called ‘Sensorial’.
Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre, 23 Maitland Road, Singleton. Open 9.30-4.30pm, Tuesday-Sunday. Entry Free. https://singletonartsandculturalcentre.com.au/ .
Tamworth Regional Gallery
By happenstance, I visited the Tamworth Regional Gallery and walked into a short performance by legendary country music star, Melinda Schneider, during this year’s country music festival.
A wonderful fusion of art and music with Melinda’s performance and artworks in the same gallery space. Melinda’s latest album, ‘Tender’, inspired her artwork.
Tamworth Regional Gallery. 466 Peel Street, Tamworth. Open Tue-Fri, 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun, 10am-4pm. Admission Free. https://tamworthregionalgallery.com.au/
Alan Baker Art Gallery in Macaria
The historic John Street precinct in Camden reveals the Alan Baker Art Gallery in Macaria. The gallery building is a rare example of a Victorian gentleman’s townhouseopen for public inspection.
The gallery regularly changes its exhibitions to showcase the Baker collection and other local artists.
Alan Baker Art Gallery in Macaria, 37 John St, Camden. Open 11am-4pm Thurs-Sun. Free admission. https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/cultural-development-and-arts/alan-baker-art-gallery-at-macaria
Reflection
Some of the most exciting artworks and memorable moments are sometimes the least expected. As it was for me in Tamworth this year.
The fusion of art and music was new to me, but not new in the art world. Artist Chioma Ince argues
Art, like music, is interwoven into our culture, identity, being and everyday lives. They are mediums of escapism and solace, tools of communication and reflection. The symbiotic relationship between art and music is ingrained in the fabric of our society. (Ince 2021)
Be a tourist in your own country and search out these artistic gems.
They will always surprise you. Give your senses a lift and challenge your imagination, as I do every time I visit the Singleton Art Centre.
Some of these hidden gems are in suburban Sydney, including the Alan Baker Art Gallery in Macaria.
Give your senses a treat, stop for a break, have a coffee at the café, and take in the latest exhibition.
References
Edgar, Don (2025). Regional arts vital, but neglected, community resources. [online] Pearls and Irritations. Available at: https://johnmenadue.com/post/2025/09/regional-arts-vital-but-neglected-community-resources/ [Accessed 24 Jan. 2026].
Edgar, Don 2019, Art for the Country: The story of Victoria’s regional art galleries, Australian Scholarly, Melbourne.
Ince, Chioma. (2021). The symbiotic relationship between art and music. [online] gowithYamo. Available at: https://www.gowithyamo.com/blog/the-symbiotic-relationship-between-art-and-music [Accessed 25 Jan. 2026].
Stapleton, Dan. (2022). Hidden Treasures: Regional galleries as picturesque as the art that fills them. [online] Harper’s Bazaar Australia. Available at: https://harpersbazaar.com.au/regional-art-galleries/ [Accessed 24 Jan. 2026].
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