From Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June, the town of Berry on the NSW South Coast will once again be transformed into a living, breathing canvas as OpenField Arts Festival returns for its second instalment – a three-day festival of contemporary art, movement, storytelling and shared experience.
More than 20 extraordinary artists will present work throughout the weekend, activating Berry’s heritage buildings, showgrounds, halls, paddocks and footpaths in a town-wide celebration of creativity and connection.
“We’ve designed OpenField to feel open in every sense – open air, open access, open minds,” said Festival Co-Director and renowned Australian singer-songwriter Lenka Kripac.
“It’s not about putting art on a pedestal. It’s about cabaret in a community hall, a performance art parade down Queen Street, or a drag tea ceremony in the CWA. We want people to encounter art where they least expect it – and feel like they’re part of it.”
A not-for-profit event two years in the making, OpenField is powered by a team of dedicated volunteers who believe art should be accessible to everyone. The festival is free and open to all, with a handful of ticketed events now on sale and expected to sell fast.
Highlights of the 2025 OpenField Arts Festival includes:
- A dedicated First Nations Hub, curated by Amanda Jane Reynolds, offers weaving circles, storytelling and art-making exploring connection to Country and totem animals.
- The festival opens with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by Aunty Delia Lowe and closes with a moving performance by violinist Eric Avery.
- Arts Parade: Berry’s main street will come alive with musicians, roving performers and students from Berry Public School in a joyful, first-ever procession.
- Chalk Mural: Alice McAuliffe leads a collaborative, drop-in chalk mural outside the Berry School of Arts – fun and accessible for all ages.
- At dusk, Joan Ross’ video installation Colonial Grab will be projected onto the Berry Showground Pavilion.
- Nothing More, a powerful new dance work by AUSTI. Dance and Physical Theatre – a family-friendly night with movement, art and community.
- OpenField Cabaret: Afterglow Variety Club starring Bella Louche in a night of burlesque, contortion, cosmic juggling and Dreamtime storytelling – paired with French food, wine and champagne. (Friday night)
- OpenField Discotheque delivers a retro dance party with DJs Stephen Ferris, Charlie Villas and Electric Ginger, plus cocktails by Henry Clive and yum cha from Pickled Ink. (Saturday night)
- Celestial Garden: Jayanto Tan hosts a drag tea ceremony at the CWA Hall – blending ritual, memory and migration.
- Without a Trace: Kenneth Lambert combines traditional sand drawing with robotics in a meditative live performance.
- RE:Place: A panel discussion led by Bundanon CEO Rachel Kent with Janet Laurence, Joan Ross, June Golland and Kenneth Lambert on place, displacement and belonging.
- Drink & Draw: A cheeky life drawing session at the Great Southern Hotel with Bella Louche – relaxed, playful and the perfect festival wind-down.
As a special bonus, OpenField ticket holders will receive free entry to Bundanon’s Collection Gallery and historic Homestead on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June – a unique opportunity to experience this iconic cultural site just a short drive from Berry.
The 2025 OpenField Arts Festival runs from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June. For more information and full program, visit: www.openfieldartsfestival.com.au for details.
Images: Joan Ross – photo by Cara O’Dowd | Eric Avery – photo by Steven Siewert