Blue Mountains News

Curated to embolden curiosity and interaction,PLAY! invites audiences to explore ideas of self and community through playful, participatory processes.

This exhibition encourages visitors to engage physically and emotionally with the artworks, challenging traditional norms of passive observation in gallery spaces.

Mayor Mark Greenhill said he hopes that this playful and engaging exhibition will provide Blue Mountains audiences and visitors to the region with a new outlook on engaging with Gallery spaces.

“I invite people of all ages to come into the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre this summer. We encourage visitors to engage with all of the artworks in this physical interactive exhibition” Cr Greenhill said.

“Ways that visitors will be able to do this include sliding, climbing, turning handles, drawing and bathing in sound”

The exhibition features works by Corrigan Fairbairn, Robert Frost, Melissa Gilbert, Nastia Gladushchenko, Sanné Mestrom, Nadia Odlum, Kate Reid and Andrew Yip.

Internationally renowned artist Sanné Mestrom said the exhibition positions play not merely as entertainment, but as a powerful tool for social inclusion, intergenerational exchange, and creative empowerment.

“This hands-on approach breaks down the traditional barrier between artist and audience -suddenly, everyone becomes part of the creative process.

“It turns museums and galleries into spaces of exploration rather than quiet contemplation, encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and personal discovery,” Ms Mestrom said.

As part of the exhibition, a vibrant series of PLAYSHOPS invites audiences to dive deeper into the themes of PLAY! through hands-on, creative experiences.

These free public programs include opportunities to sketch playfully, learn circus skills with Candy Stripe Circus, explore collaborative clay-making, and enjoy a joyful afternoon of art, performance and picnic in the park.

All programs are free of charge, proudly funded by the City of the Arts Trust Grants Program, with bookings essential via Eventbrite.

Entry to the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery will be free for the duration of the exhibition until Sunday 15 February 2026.

For more information on this exhibition and events visit here