Bendigo's arts scene thrives as winter program draws crowds to local galleries and theatres

Bendigo's arts and entertainment scene is in full swing this winter, with a lineup of exhibitions, performances, and community events drawing locals and visitors alike. The Bendigo Art Gallery, a cornerstone of the city's cultural life, is currently hosting a major exhibition that has seen attendance numbers climb steadily since its opening in June. Gallery director Jessica Bridgfoot told the Bendigo Weekly that the show has 'exceeded expectations,' with more than 15,000 tickets sold in the first month alone.

The timing of this cultural surge is significant. As global tensions escalate-the US launched fresh strikes on Iran this week after President Trump ordered a new blockade of the Strait of Hormuz-local audiences are seeking refuge in the arts. The Bendigo Art Gallery's current exhibition offers a quiet counterpoint to world events, focusing on the work of regional Australian artists whose landscapes and portraits celebrate the everyday.

What's on: theatre, music, and workshops

Over at the Ulumbarra Theatre, the winter program includes a mix of touring productions and homegrown talent. The venue's managing director, Sarah Mangan, said ticket sales for the July-August season are up 20 per cent compared to the same period last year. 'People are craving live experiences,' Mangan told the Bendigo Advertiser. 'They want to sit in a room with others and share a story.' The theatre is staging a new adaptation of a classic Australian novel, running from July 20 to August 10, with tickets starting at $39.

The Dudley House Arts Hub on View Street is hosting a series of weekend workshops for adults and children. Pastel painting classes, led by local artist Tom Gurry, are fully booked through the end of July, while a Saturday morning ceramics session still has spots available. The Hub's coordinator, Liz Chen, said the winter program was designed to 'keep creative energy alive during the colder months.'

Street art and pop-up installations

Bendigo's laneways are also getting a makeover. The city council's 'Art in the Lane' project has commissioned six new murals in the area around Chancery Lane and Pall Mall. The works, completed by Victorian street artists over the past month, range from abstract geometric patterns to portraits of local historical figures. Council spokesperson Mark Thompson said the project has 'brightened up the city centre' during a season when foot traffic typically slows. A self-guided walking map is available from the Bendigo Visitor Centre on Mitchell Street.

For those looking to catch a film, the Capitol Cinema on View Street is screening retrospective series of classic Australian films every Thursday night through August. The series includes Peter Weir's 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' and Jane Campion's 'The Piano,' both digitally remastered. Tickets are $15 per screening or $40 for a four-film pass.

Looking ahead, the Bendigo Fringe Festival is set to return from October 1 to 11, with applications for performers and vendors closing on August 15. Organisers say the festival will feature more than 50 events across 20 venues, including the old Shamrock Hotel ballroom and the Bendigo Town Hall. For now, residents and visitors can explore the current offerings while keeping an eye on the festival's evolving program.