This year’s theme is Rural Realities, inviting artists to explore the diversity and complexity of modern life in a rural context.  

This theme feels particularly poignant to me, as I’m sure it does to our exhibiting artists. As residents of the Western Downs, we know that the ‘reality’ of a life on the land is highly subjective and shaped by context. Sometimes sweet, sometimes harsh, but always complex, changing and diverse.  

For me, it’s the people of the Western Downs that are at the core of what makes our rural communities so active and vibrant. This is reflected in the superb entries that this year’s exhibition has attracted in a wide variety of media and reflecting a wide variety of experiences.  

I’d like to thank and congratulate everyone involved in the delivery another fantastic Regional Artists’ Exhibition, this year hosted by Lapunyah Art Gallery, Chinchilla. 

 I am certain that the 53 works by 39 artists in this year’s collection will not only resonate with you, but also enlighten and inspire. I invite you to take your time exploring the creations of our region’s finest artistic talents and their interpretations of Rural Realities.