May We?

The 31st Annual Mayoral Art Exhibition invites artists of all ages to submit original artworks across a range of mediums. Applications close 5pm Monday 31 August 2026.

The theme for 2026 is Sense of Place.

• About the Mayoral Art Exhibition
• Apply
• Exhibition details
• About the Bone Marrow Donor Institute

About the Mayoral Art Exhibition

The Mayoral Art Exhibition is an annual fundraiser that raises funds for the Bone Marrow Donor Institute (now part of Fight Cancer). Over the past three decades, the exhibition has brought together thousands of artists while contributing to cancer research.

The exhibition is supported by Maroondah City Council and Community Bank Ringwood East and Croydon.

Apply

Artists of all ages are encouraged to enter. Eligible mediums include photography, sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking and ceramics.

Mayoral Art Exhibition 2026 application(PDF, 499KB)

Applications may be submitted:

• by mail: P.O. Box 379, Mooroolbark 3138
• by email: asom9346@bigpond.net.au
  Please include Mayoral Art Exhibition Application in the subject line. Bank details for payment of entry fees will be supplied upon receipt.

Applications close 5pm, Monday 31 August 2026.

Exhibition details

The exhibition will run from 21 September to 24 October 2026 at Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery.

All eligible artworks will be exhibited, and a number of works will be selected for Mayoral and Community Bank Ringwood East and Croydon acquisitions. Announcement of both acquisitions will be made at the exhibition launch on Thursday 1 October 2026.

About the Bone Marrow Donor Institute

Since the Bone Marrow Donor Institute (BMDI) began in 1989 it has raised over $4 million with a focus on cancer research, initially for Leukemia research which has benefited other serious health conditions including breast and testicular cancer.

BMDI has sponsored accommodation units for cancer patients, particularly supporting regional patients with a North Melbourne unit. In another success story, five young mothers who donated bone marrow through the institute discovered they had early stages of cancer and were successfully treated.

BMDI has since become incorporated with Fight Cancer Foundation with its broader connection to cancer research.

Koko Crozier & Claire Riverland, The Caretaker’s Guide to Loving a Home, 2025, behind the scenes still Film produced by Arts Activators 2025 cohort

Applications for Arts Activators will remain open until further notice.

• About Arts Activators
• Benefits of joining
• Express interest
• Past programs

About Arts Activators

Are you a passionate creative aged 18 to 25? Whether you’re into music, visual arts, photography, writing, performance, filmmaking, event production, curating exhibitions or organising creative projects - we’d love you to join Arts Activators, a group of young creatives shaping the arts in Maroondah.

Arts Activators will meet monthly on a Wednesday, from 6pm to 7.30pm. Meetings will be at arts venues across Maroondah to explore and respond to opportunities for creative and community spaces, gain mentorship from established artists/arts workers, and exchange feedback on creative projects.

We encourage creatives from all backgrounds and disciplines to apply.

Benefits of joining

• Be part of a community of like-minded young artists
• Access mentorship and resources to support your creative journey and bring your ideas to life
• Be supported to create projects / works to activate venues across Maroondah
• Develop your creative practice and network

Express interest

Expressions of interest will remain open until further notice. Applicants will be contacted after they submit.

Express interest

Previous programs

Arts Activators has a new structure for 2026, but you can check out past Arts Activators programs below.

Further information

For more information please contact Arts in Maroondah on 0417 915 347 or email gallery@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

The project is a collaboration between Arts in Maroondah and Maroondah Youth Services.

Public art commission opportunities will appear here as they become available.

Artists interested in being kept informed about public art opportunities that arise from time to time in Maroondah are invited to send their details to publicart@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

Latest news

Reignite Croydon - Laneway Lights project - now open!

Get ready to experience Croydon in a whole new light.

The Reignite Croydon – Laneway Lights project is illuminating three laneways adjacent to Main Street, Croydon with captivating artwork, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists.

This project has been developed in partnership with the Victorian Government Living Local fund with the aim with the aim of improving the amenity of Croydon, increasing visitation to Main Street and enhancing pedestrian safety.

Read more about the artworks