Our centres
The Unbound
Art Show returns for 2026
We are proud to present the third annual Unbound Art Show. Discover incredible works by both emerging and established artists, showcased under the theme
“Place to Belong.”
Unbound Artshow 2026 bigger than ever:
One new venue – two exciting events!
Opening Night
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm Thursday 12th February 2026
The Garden Gallery, Royal Botanical Gardens Sydney
Join us for an exclusive opening night event where you’ll experience the exhibition before anyone else and have the chance to see and bid on incredible works before the auction closes that evening.
Unbound After Dark
7pm – 11pm Friday 20th February 2026
The Garden Gallery, Royal Botanical Gardens Sydney
Explore the 2026 Unbound Art Show collection in a more intimate, after-hours setting.
Sip, mingle, and move to the beats of Sydney-based DJ Phil Toke, Soul of Sydney,
while surrounded by inspiring art and community connection.
NEW LOCATION:
The Garden Gallery,
Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
(6 Mrs Macquaries Road)
EXHIBITION DATES
13th – 24th February 2026
Open daily 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
‘Place to Belong’ is more than our theme – it’s our promise and our purpose. We create safe, supportive spaces where people are heard, valued and never judged. Because when children and families feel seen and heard, they know they belong.
Our 2026 contributing artists
Fundraising for children in need
All proceeds support Barnardos Australia’s safety and prevention programs. This year, we’re funding a Community Development Coordinator to expand Bundaleer Community Centre from two to five days a week. This role will provide consistent drop-in support, organise parenting programs and partner with local groups to deliver cultural and community events.
Warrawong is Wollongong’s most disadvantaged suburb—73% of residents faced food insecurity last year, 72% have safety concerns, and rates of domestic violence and property crime are above average. That’s why Bundaleer is so vital. It offers a “place to belong”, where children and families are seen, heard and connected. With your support, we can keep the Centre open, amplify residents’ voices and create a safer, stronger community.
After a recent community consultation, it was highlighted that there is an urgent need to extend our focus beyond early childhood, addressing entrenched cycles of disadvantage across all age groups. Children and young people’s well-being depends on multiple, interconnected domains* — being loved and safe, having material basics, being healthy, learning, participating, and having a positive sense of identity and culture. Bundaleer’s community-led approach strengthens these conditions, ensuring that children and families not only have their immediate needs met, but also the foundations to thrive into the future.
Bundaleer Community Centre
Bundaleer Community Centre kids at the
2025 Unbound Art Show
Want to find out more?
For more information, please get in touch with Bella Armstrong, Fundraising and Engagement Project Manager – iarmstrong@barnardos.org.au
Join us and over 40 emerging and established artists for a night you won't want to miss
Fearlessly Optimistic 2024
Check out last year’s event, our inaugural art show Fearlessly Optimistic.
Our inaugural Fearlessly Optimistic art show was a resounding success, bringing together over 140 attendees to celebrate creativity and compassion. We are so grateful to our guests, volunteers, suppliers, and to the 40+ talented exhibitors who generously donated exceptional artworks to support such a meaningful cause. Thanks to their contributions, the event made a significant impact on the lives of children and young people.
Thank you to our event supporters
Flowers Across Sydney provided the beautiful florals for our flower wall which meant every guest went home with their own bunch accompanied by a message of hope. The Giving Movement provided attendees with the opportunity to have exclusive early access and continue to support Barnardos by donating $4 from every item sold in their Australian stores.
Event partners
We are so grateful to our event partners below for providing the catering, flowers and wines.
