Ephemera emerged in 2001 through the initiative of Townsville City Council. Its purpose was to provide a platform for regional artists to showcase their exceptional talent.
Today, Ephemera stands proudly as the North’s leading temporary public art festival. Now in its 13th iteration, this beloved and highly anticipated biennial event attracts local, national, and international artists and audiences to Townsville-Gurambilbarra’s iconic location, The Strand.
Ephemera 2025 invites artists to think again about the ephemeral, and to make artworks that ‘trace less’. Artists should take a more thoughtful approach to making artwork on Country, engaging with the transitory, using ephemeral materials, or sparking conversation and awareness of environmental impact. Artists are encouraged to explore everything from artwork concepts to materials when considering these themes.
This year, Ephemera introduces a new competitive category for young artists and school groups alongside the celebrated open competitive category.
Ephemera 2025: Trace-less is not just about the artworks; it offers a multitude of engaging programs that immerse visitors in the world of art. The festival includes a diverse range of sculptures, installations and projections, and features renowned artists from Australia and overseas. In addition to these established names, emerging artists compete for recognition and awards, including:
- the $1,000 People’s Choice Award
- the $10,000 Artistic Excellence Award
- the newly introduced $1,000 Young Artistic Excellence Award
- $1,000 Environmental Advocate Award.
Ephemera is organised and coordinated by Townsville City Council, with the valuable support of a dedicated volunteer taskforce.
