ARTEXPRESS 2026 exhibition brings HSC student artworks to Maitland Regional Art Gallery

newy.com.au – Maitland Regional Art Gallery will host the ARTEXPRESS 2026 exhibition in Maitland from Saturday 21 February 2026 to Sunday 19 April 2026, featuring selected artworks by NSW students from the 2025 Higher School Certificate Visual Arts examination.

ARTEXPRESS is an annual showcase that highlights the artmaking component of the HSC, bringing student work into public galleries and offering audiences a snapshot of the ideas and concerns being explored by young artists.

In a media release issued on Thursday 26 February 2026, Maitland City Council said the exhibition was a collaboration between the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Education Standards Authority, and celebrated the “artistry, knowledge and technical skill” of emerging artists across the state.

The selected works span a range of art forms and perspectives, with the council describing them as demonstrating “strong ideas and technical expertise” and giving visitors insight into issues that matter to young people. The release said almost half of the featured artists were from the Hunter, placing a strong regional focus within a statewide exhibition.

MRAG director Gerry Bobsien said the gallery was proud to provide local artists with a public platform at a key point in their development. “ARTEXPRESS showcases works of outstanding strength, storytelling and technical skill, giving students a significant public platform at an important stage in their creative development,” Bobsien said.

Bobsien said the exhibition also helped connect young creatives with a wider audience in their own region. “Bringing ARTEXPRESS to Maitland ensures our community can experience exceptional art locally, while fostering participation and connection for young creatives throughout the region,” he said.

The exhibition will be shown at Maitland Regional Art Gallery at 230 High Street, with the gallery listing regular opening hours as Tuesday to Sunday, 9.00am to 4.00pm, and education bookings available on Mondays by request. More information is available via mait.city/ARTEXPRESS.