Maitland Regional Art Gallery launches second Hunter Biennale Upriver Downriver

Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) presents the second Hunter Biennale, Upriver Downriver, a landmark exhibition presented across all gallery spaces. 

Building on the success of the inaugural exhibition in 2023, this year’s Biennale brings together more than 40 local artists whose work reflects the stories, landscapes and experiences shaped by the Hunter region and its rivers. 

Upriver Downriver invites visitors to follow the Hunter River from the Upper Hunter, through Maitland and on to the Port of Newcastle, exploring the waterways and communities that connect the region. 

At its heart, the exhibition explores the Hunter River as both a physical route and a cultural thread, linking diverse artistic voices in a single immersive exhibition. As a biennial event, it provides a significant platform for artists across the region while highlighting shared histories and lived experiences connected by the river. 

Maitland Regional Art Gallery Director Gerry Bobsien says the exhibition reflects the richness of creative practice across the region and the Gallery’s ongoing commitment to showcasing Hunter-based artists. 

“The Hunter River is a constant presence in this region, shaping how places and communities are understood over time. 

“Following the strong response to the inaugural 2023 exhibition, we decided to establish the Hunter Biennale as a recurring and important part of our exhibition program. We’re excited to see how it continues to grow and evolve,” Ms Bobsien said. 

Maitland-born artist Nell said Upriver Downriver provides an important cultural marker for artists who live in or have grown up in the region. Her work, The NELL ANNE QUILT, includes embroidered patches created by 441 people from around the world, each honouring a significant woman by name. Among the contributors are former students of Linuwel Steiner School. 

“Growing up in Maitland, I had limited access to art. I'm so happy that this has changed over time, and places like Maitland Regional Art Gallery can celebrate artists from across the Hunter while creating a space to bring people living in regional communities together,” Nell said. 

Artists featured in Upriver Downriver include: Adam Manning, Ben Kenning, Dani Marti, David Darcy, Deborah Van Heekeren, Fiona Johnson, Gillian Adamson, Izabela Pluta, Jane Lander, Jane Richens, Janice Hanicar, Jo Shand, John Barnes, Katrina Holden, Chris Proctor, Kimberly Swan, Lisa Wiseman, Lottie Consalvo, Helen Hopcroft, Malcolm Sands, Michele Heibel, Mitch Mahoney, Nell, Nick Barlow, Nicole Chaffey, Osvaldo Budet, Richard Tipping, Sara Morawetz, Tiyan Baker, Toby Cedar, Todd Fuller, Tom Ireland and the WHIP Collective. 

Upriver Downriver will be on display at Maitland Regional Art Gallery from 11 July to 11 October 2026. For more information, visit mait.city/UpriverDownriver2026 

Image caption: Artist Nell in front of her work The Nell Anne Quilt. Saul Steed courtesy of Art Gallery of South Australia