2026 Creative Otways Arts Trail

Welcome to the November Creative Otway Arts Trail 2026

Thank you for your interest in participating in this celebration of creativity across the Otways region.

The Arts Trail is designed to:

- Support artists and makers
- Build creative community
- Encourage cultural tourism
- Introduce new audiences to local creative practices
- Encourage visitors to spend longer exploring our region
- Strengthen connections between artists, visitors and local businesses

Whether you are opening a private studio, exhibiting in a shared space, presenting a pop-up exhibition or welcoming visitors into a gallery, we are delighted to have you involved.

Event Dates
Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 November 2026

Opening Hours
10am – 4pm

How to Create a Google Map Pin / Location Link

Easiest done on your phone.  

1. Open the Google Maps app.

2. Pan and zoom to locate the area on the map.

3.Tap and hold your finger on the exact location.

4. A red pin will drop, and an info panel will slide up from the bottom.

5. Tap the panel to share the location.

6. Copy and paste the link into the space on this form

Participation Contribution is

$50 for Creative Otway members

$70 Non members (includes 12 months Creative Otways membership)

Your contribution assists with:

• Website hosting and management
• Printed postcards and promotional material
• Advertising and promotion
• Social media marketing
• Event coordination and administration

CONDITIONS

INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS:

Please read these guidelines and apply as relevant:

 

Above all have FUN!

 

VENUES 

·      Always have a companion with you during your open hours and have water and food for yourselves

·      Tell your neighbours what is happening. Invite them. Tell everyone, post on social media

·      Do not leave valuables unattended

·      Tidy personal possessions away out of sight

·      Keep cash secure

·      Provide an easy way for people to pay

·      Lock or block access to private areas

·      You love your pets but your visitors may not! Please keep all animals secure and away from public areas

·      Inform your insurer in good time

·      You must make a formal risk assessment before the trail starts. List dangers, photograph them, take notes and remedy the situation. This shows you are not negligent. An assessment may include giving thought to potential hazards on your property, especially for children and those with limited mobility, eg. steps, pools etc.

·      Studios & workshops have hazards. Remove sharp or dangerous implements and poisonous substances to a safe place

·      Warn people of steep steps, low beams and passing traffic. Put up temporary signs.

·      Display a clearly visible warning that public enter at their own risk

·      Provide a copy of your certificate of currency for public liability $10million – 20 million

·      Costs help Creative Otways to Cover global insurance for organisers, promotion via the website hosting, promotional material and event coordination and administration.

Promotion and advertising may include, but is not limited to, the Creative Otway Arts Trail website, the Colac Otway Shire Events page, OCR & Mix FM, social media campaigns, inclusion in printed Arts Trail brochures, posters, postcards, newspaper advertising and features

All arts trail venues will need public liability cover of $10-20 million. Check with your insurance company that you are covered or investigate other options online.

Suggestions:

National Association for Visual Arts
Regional arts Victoria
Ourcommunity.com.au for community groups

** SHARED SPACES, POP-UPS AND GROUPS

If you do not have insurance or a venue appropriate for public access, consider joining a pop up galleries, or shared spaces. We can put you in touch with an organiser near you who will contact you with the requirements of their venue.

NOTE: In the event of emergency or extreme weather the Arts Trail will be cancelled.

CONTACT US

EMAIL: creativeotwayartstrail@gmail.com

WEB: www.creativeotwayartstrail.com

 

Creative Otway Arts Trail in partnership with Creative Otways inc.