Lockhart's Spirit of the Land festival marks 20 years of farm art
Lockhart's Spirit of the Land festival turns 20 this weekend, celebrating rural creativity with recycled farm sculptures.
The Spirit of the Land festival in Lockhart marks its 20th anniversary on October 10 and 11. The festival started in 2006 when residents wanted to lift farmers' spirits during the brutal seven-year Millennium Drought.
Co-founder Sue Schneider said farmers were asked to head to their sheds and create metal flowers that would never die. In their first or second year, the festival featured 153 sculptures.
These included echidnas made from spark plugs and cows fashioned from 44-gallon drums. Artists came from across Australia, Tasmania and even New Zealand.
Lockhart normally has about 800 residents. The festival draws over 4,000 visitors.
The event features the National Farm Art Awards. Prize money has doubled to $20,000 in 2026.
A $10 wristband covers weekend entry to the sculpture display, fine art exhibitions, photography shows and the town's open gardens.
- 2006
- Festival founded
- 7 years
- Drought duration
- 800 residents
- Lockhart population
- 4,000 visitors
- Festival attendance
Why it mattersThe festival shows how a rural community turned hardship into an enduring celebration of creativity and resilience. It has become a regional draw.
AustraliaVisitors across NSW and Australia can experience the festival this weekend in Lockhart, supporting a small rural community through tourism and celebrating Australian farm culture.
Corroborated bydailyadvertiser.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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