Byron Shire Council has announced three innovative projects selected through its annual Creative Public Spaces Grants, set to reimagine and activate public spaces with surprising and joyful experiences in early 2026.

Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said the projects offer a program of free site-specific activations for the community to explore and interact with.

“Expect low-tide river dances on a sandbar in the Brunswick River, a magical rainforest trail through the Mullumbimby Arboretum and a one-off drive-in cinema screening and light installation in the car park of the Cavanbah Centre in Byron Bay,” the Mayor said.

The three Creative Projects selected include:

• Hoppers (3-4 January) – Set on a sandbar within the Brunswick Heads River, Hoppers is a vibrant intervention of synchronised swimmers by local choreographer Kelly O’Meara, featuring bright orange space hoppers, beach games, and choreography celebrating the female body and connection to place.
• Understory Wonder Trail (February to March) – A creative exploration of the Mullumbimby Arboretum at Heritage Park led by children’s theatre practitioner Valley Lipcer and Visual Ecologist Aviva Reed, including workshops, a QR-activated soundscape and illustrated booklet that brings to life the park’s diverse plant and animal life and experiments with creative responses, including drawing, sound, sculpture, and movement.
• Drive-In Cinema at the Cavanbah Centre (April) – A one-night-only event in April curated by Andreas Stamatakakos, transforming the southern car park into a pop-up cinema showcasing indie films and light installations by local artists.

Council’s annual Creative Public Spaces Grants aim to seed-fund projects that activate public sites through temporary interventions and experiences.

“We had a wonderful response this year across all art forms and thank our talented community for their applications – and congratulate the three winners of this year’s grants,” the Mayor said.

“Applications for next year’s funding open in April, and I can’t wait to see what our amazing creative community has in store for us,” the Mayor said.

For more information about Creative Spaces Grants and the program of events, visit www.byron.nsw.gov.au/CPS.