We welcome a variety of artwork, including:

• Drawings
• Paintings
• Digital artwork
• Photography

You can submit an existing artwork or create something new specifically for the exhibition.

To be suitable for display:

• Artwork must be created by a young person aged 10-25.
• Artwork must be your own original work.
• Artwork must be submitted in landscape orientation.
• Physical artworks (such as drawings and paintings) should be at least A3 size (297mm x 420mm).
• Digital artwork and photographs should be submitted as a high-resolution JPG, PNG or PDF (300ppi minimum) suitable for large-format printing.

Physical artwork (drawings and paintings)

Upload a clear photo of your artwork with your application. If selected, you'll be asked to provide the original artwork so it can be professionally photographed for printing. You will keep your original artwork.

Photography and digital artwork

Upload the original high-resolution file wherever possible. As artworks will be enlarged for display, higher-quality files will achieve the best results.

If your artwork is selected:

• Physical artworks will be professionally photographed to create a high-resolution image for display.
• Digital artworks and photographs will be prepared for large-format printing.
• Your artwork will be featured in one of eight outdoor lightboxes in Savages Lane.
• You'll receive a $200 payment (or equivalent prize, subject to confirmation).
• You keep your original artwork.

Absolutely.

Many young people feel nervous about sharing their work with the community for the first time. We have found that participants are often surprised by how rewarding the experience is and how supportive the community can be.

If your artwork is selected, you can choose how you'd like it to be credited, including using your full name, first name only or an artist name/alias.

If you're unsure, we encourage you to apply and have a chat with us.

The exhibition lightboxes are limited to eight artworks.

If we receive a strong response, we may explore opportunities to showcase additional artworks through a pop-up exhibition or other display opportunities during Macleay Laneway Fest.

While we can't guarantee additional display opportunities, our goal is to celebrate and encourage as many young artists as possible, and we encourage everyone to submit their work and be part of the experience.

We welcome a variety of performances, including:

• Music
• Dance
• Spoken word
• Comedy
• Theatre
• Cultural performances
• Other creative acts

If you're not sure whether your idea is suitable, submit an Expression of Interest and tell us about it.

Absolutely.

Macleay Laneway Fest is about creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop their skills and share their talents with the community.

Not everyone who takes part has performed for a public audience before. If you have a talent, skill or performance you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you.

Local DJ Terry Keane will be supporting the music stage and helping young musicians prepare for their performance. If you're feeling nervous or unsure, we can help connect you with support and guidance to build your confidence and prepare for the event.

Many young people are surprised by what they can achieve when they step outside their comfort zone and give something new a go.

Yes.

We welcome solo performers, duos, bands, dance groups, schools, youth groups and other performance groups.

Basic stage and sound equipment will be available.

We'll work with performers to understand their needs and provide more information closer to the event.

Market stall opportunities are open to young people aged 10-25.

Whether you're already running a small business, selling handmade products, raising funds for a cause, or simply want to give your idea a go, we'd love to hear from you.

Stallholders under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult aged 18 years or over for the duration of the event.

You can apply to sell a range of products, creations or services.

Examples may include artwork, jewellery, crafts, clothing, handmade products and other creative goods, but these are just examples.

If you're not sure whether your idea is suitable, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest and tell us about it. We'd love to hear your ideas and can discuss them with you if needed.

Maybe.

Food sales require prior approval and must meet food safety requirements.

Even small stalls selling food or drinks are considered a food business, so there are rules that help keep customers safe.

Depending on what you'd like to sell, you (or someone supervising you) may need a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate, and food may need to be prepared in a registered home kitchen or commercial kitchen.

If you're interested in selling food, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest and tell us about your idea. We'll get in touch to discuss what's required and whether it's suitable for the event.

Don't let the food requirements put you off. If food isn't an option, there are still plenty of ways to get involved through market stalls, activities, performances and other festival opportunities.

Yes.

We're interested in hearing from young people, community groups, schools and organisations that would like to run activities, demonstrations, interactive experiences, information stalls or fundraising activities as part of the festival.

If you have an idea that doesn't involve selling products, that's okay too. Submit an Expression of Interest and tell us about your idea.

Nothing. Youth market stalls at Macleay Laneway Fest are free to participate in.

Stallholders are encouraged to bring their own stall setup, including tables, display materials and any equipment needed to operate their stall.

We understand not everyone has access to these items. A limited number of tables may be available and can be requested through the Expression of Interest form. Tables will be allocated on a first-request basis, so we encourage participants to source and bring their own where possible.

We'll provide further information about stall requirements and event arrangements closer to the festival.

No.

Young people participating in Macleay Laneway Fest will generally be covered under Council's event public liability insurance arrangements while taking part in approved festival activities and following any event requirements.

If you are participating on behalf of a community group, organisation or business that holds its own public liability insurance, we may ask you to provide a copy of your Certificate of Currency.

Further information will be provided closer to the event.