THE City of Whittlesea’s Belong: 2026 Art Exhibition is now open at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC).
For more than 17 years, this much-loved annual exhibition has celebrated the creativity of local artists and this year is bigger than ever. A record 176 artists have submitted 245 artworks, making it the largest exhibition in its history.
Held at PRACC for the second year, the exhibition continues to grow, with longer opening hours and more ways to get involved, including artist talks and hands-on workshops.
Belong is a celebration of creativity, connection and storytelling. It reflects the rich cultural diversity of the City of Whittlesea, with artists aged from six to 92 years, sharing what belonging means to them. From painting and photography to sculpture, pottery, mosaics and glasswork, there is a diverse range of artworks to explore.
The exhibition also helps preserve local stories. Selected artworks become part of the City of Whittlesea’s Cultural Collection, capturing artistic expressions that reflect the community’s evolving identity.
This year’s exhibition was judged by a panel including Mayor Cr Lawrie Cox, City of Whittlesea Director Community Wellbeing Agata Chmielewski and guest judge Jaycob Campbell, whose work celebrates deaf culture through bold visual storytelling.
Cr Cox said the exhibition was a true inspiration to artists around the township.
Award winners for Belong: 2026 Art Exhibition were announced at a special launch event on Wednesday, May 6. The awards recognise outstanding artistic achievement across a range of categories, highlighting the depth and diversity of talent within the community.
The following awards were presented:
Mayor’s Award – Overall Winner: Presented to Rosemary Lugg – Fragments
Award of Excellence – Use of Materials: Presented to Beverly Neylon – Beauty of the Wind
Award of Excellence – Originality: Presented to Kylie Gentle – The Large Elephant Buddha of Kindness
Youth Award: Presented to Plenty River College Students – Shakira, Ali, Ella, Dakotah, Faye, Morgan, Izzy S, Jeremy, Henry, Madi, Aaron, Livi, Noah, Jeena, Loukas, Sammy, Ollie, Ben, Emma, Christian, Quil, Lyla, Alanah, with support from Gay Chatfield – BELONG
Highly Commended – Special mention:Paris Jirvand –Golden Garden, Ana TC –Her Place, Faria Amin – National Bird of Australia
Exhibition visitors will have a chance to vote for their favourite artwork and a People’s Choice Award will be announced at the end of the exhibition.
The exhibition, at PRACC, 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, is open until May 27.
For more information, visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/belong
