The Southern Highlands’ first regional art gallery Ngununggula, is hosting its second annual Midwinter Festival. Whether you want to get your culture fix, enjoy a bite and some booze or witness a choreographed drone light show, you’ll get it all this winter. It’s happening in Bowral but we’re not complaining. It gives us an excuse to get out of the city and enjoy all that regional NSW has to offer. Developed in partnership with the Fremantle Biennale, the festival honours ancestral stories of the Gundungurra Country upon which Ngununggula is based.
Midwinter Festival, Ngununggula
The festival takes over the art gallery this June for a mega three-day showcase. Highlights include a place-responsive, choreographed drone light show, the return of Burning Man — a large-scale sculptural installation by celebrated Australian artist Ben Quilty and some of the region’s best food and wine. There’s also live music and activities led by local artists ideal for kids, teens and families.
“The rich and diverse arts and cultural fabric of the Southern Highlands lie at the heart of the Midwinter Festival, offering high-quality arts experiences to our national visitors,” Director of Ngununggula Megan Monte said.
Ngununggula translates to “belonging” in the traditional language of the Gundungurra First Nations people. It opened its doors in 2021 as the first regional art gallery in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Since then, the gallery has hosted a number of vibrant exhibitions, talks and workshops.
Drive out of town to the Southern Highlands and admire the creativity of stellar artists in NSW from June 23-25.
Further details will drop in the coming months — they can’t give away all the fun after all. Keep an eye on their website for regular updates.