Belong Exhibition brings local stories to life

The City of Whittlesea is proud to present Belong: 2026 Art Exhibition, now open at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC) for everyone to enjoy. 

For more than 17 years, this much-loved annual exhibition has celebrated the creativity of local artists and this year is bigger than ever. A record 176 artists have submitted 245 artworks, making it the largest exhibition in its history.   

Held at PRACC for the second year, the exhibition continues to grow, with longer opening hours and more ways to get involved, including artist talks and hands-on workshops. 

Belong is a celebration of creativity, connection and storytelling. It reflects the rich cultural diversity of the City of Whittlesea, with artists aged from 6 to 92 years, sharing what belonging means to them. From painting and photography to sculpture, pottery, mosaics and glasswork, there is a diverse range of artworks to explore. 

What began as a community-led initiative has grown into a much-loved annual event. Today, it plays an important role in celebrating local artists while building a strong sense of connection and belonging. 

Community Curator Zahraa Al Zubaydi said the exhibition is more than art. 

“Belong is about connection to place, to people and to identity. It’s a platform where artists can share their voice. 

“It was truly special to see each artwork arrive and to meet the artists behind them. Every piece brought a unique interpretation of Belong, and curating the exhibition felt like assembling a puzzle – thoughtfully placing each work to create a cohesive and meaningful experience.” 

The exhibition also helps preserve local stories. Selected artworks become part of the City of Whittlesea’s Cultural Collection, capturing artistic expressions that reflect the community’s evolving identity. 

This year’s exhibition was judged by a panel including Mayor Cr Lawrie Cox, City of Whittlesea Director Community Wellbeing Agata Chmielewski and guest judge Jaycob Campbell, whose work celebrates deaf culture through bold visual storytelling.  

Award winners for Belong: 2026 Art Exhibition were announced at a special launch event on Wednesday 6 May, celebrating excellence in creativity, originality and emerging talent. The awards recognise outstanding artistic achievement across a range of categories, highlighting the depth and diversity of talent within the community. 

The following awards were presented: 

Mayor’s Award – Overall Winner: Recognising the artwork that stands out across the entire exhibition for its overall impact, creativity and execution. 
Presented to Rosemary Lugg - Fragments 

Award of Excellence – Use of Materials: This award identifies exceptional skill in the selection, handling and innovative use of materials. 
Presented to Beverly Neylon – Beauty of the Wind 

Award of Excellence – Originality: Celebrating artwork that offer a unique perspective, demonstrating fresh thinking and a distinctive creative approach. 
Presented to Kylie Gentle – The Large Elephant Buddha of Kindness 

“For me a sense of belonging is not built by people thinking alike but is built and enriched by the multitude of every individual’s unique experiences. The images in my artwork are fragments from my life that contribute to the tapestry of my life and my sense of belonging.”