In 2026, EstuaryWatch celebrates 20 years of monitoring, learning, caring, and building connections with Victorian estuaries, thanks to the passion of volunteers, coordinators, partners, and communities across the state. To mark this special milestone, we are planning a 20‑year celebration event in late winter / early spring (date to be confirmed), and we invite you to be part of it by contributing to a community art exhibition (and also coming along to celebrate).
For 20 years, EstuaryWatch has been more than a program, it’s been a community of people who care deeply about estuaries and each other. This exhibition is a way to honour that shared journey, reflect on what we’ve learned, and celebrate the many ways people connect to water.
We warmly invite volunteers (past and present), staff, partners, and supporters to submit artworks inspired by EstuaryWatch and 20 years of estuary stories. These works will be exhibited as part of the EstuaryWatch 20-year celebration event (details still to be confirmed). Artists will be fully acknowledged, and further details will be shared soon.
Theme: 20 Years of EstuaryWatch
Submissions might explore:
- Estuaries you’ve monitored, loved, or learned from
- Life by the water — people, plants, animals, tides, seasons
- Citizen science in action
- Change over time (or what stays the same)
- Connection, care, and community
- Reflections on 20 years of EstuaryWatch
What you can submit
Works can be new or existing, provided they align with the theme. You don’t need to be a “professional” artist — this exhibition is about stories, perspectives, and connection, not perfection. We welcome a wide range of creative responses, including:
- Photography
- Painting or drawing
- Printmaking or mixed media
- Textile or fibre art
- Sculpture (small–medium scale)
- Other creative interpretations
How to submit
To express interest or submit artwork, please provide:
- Your name and connection to estuaries or EstuaryWatch
- Title of the work
- Medium and approximate dimensions
- A short description or story behind the piece (optional but encouraged)
- Photos of the artwork (for 2D works or sculptures)
Send submissions to: justine.holmes@ccma.vic.gov.au by 30 July 2026
