The Coastal Twist Festival is set to illuminate the Central Coast from 27 September to 4 October 2026 offering an eight-day extravaganza of LGBTQIA+ arts, culture, and community. This vibrant festival spans Gosford, Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach, and Woy Woy transforming the region into a dynamic hub of creative expression and social change.
At the heart of the festival lies the Group Exhibition a cornerstone event that brings together artists of all ages and experience levels. This year, the exhibition will be hosted at the FunHaus Factory providing a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work.
The Group Exhibition: A Beacon of Inclusivity
The Group Exhibition is more than just a display of art; it’s a celebration of identity, storytelling, and creative exploration. Glitta Supernova, the festival’s producer and creative force, emphasizes the exhibition’s significance: “The exhibition sits at the very heart of the festival. It’s our opening moment.”
This event brings together sponsors, partners, civic leaders, and the community to engage in meaningful dialogue about who we are and where we’re going. The exhibition is a powerful showcase of diversity, joy, and radical self-expression, championing connections across all walks of life.
Openness and Diversity
What sets this exhibition apart is its openness. Glitta Supernova highlights that this isn’t a gatekept space but an inclusive, living reflection of the Central Coast’s creative community. “You’ll see first-time exhibitors alongside established artists, all sharing the same walls, the same spotlight. It’s layered, it’s vibrant, and it’s deeply human,” she says.
The exhibition welcomes works across all mediums, from painting and photography to sculptures and ceramics. Artists of all ages are encouraged to apply, making it a truly intergenerational event. Glitta shares that creating this space for younger artists “means everything.” It embeds their voices directly into the wider cultural conversation, giving them visibility, connection, and access.
Radical Radiance: A Call to Shine Boldly
The theme for this year’s festival is Radical Radiance a call to shine boldly and celebrate individuality while uplifting one another through shared creativity and care. Glitta hopes that this theme will inspire amazing exhibition art entries. “I hope artists lean into their inner light,” she says. “That they create work that is honest, exploratory, and unapologetically real.”
Radical Radiance is about both individuality and collective energy. It’s about expressing personal truths, political ideas, identity, and passion, while also reflecting the power of unity and togetherness. The festival invites audiences and artists alike to choose light, connection, and authenticity in a world where division can feel loud.
Volunteer and Be at the Heart of Coastal Twist
The Coastal Twist Festival is proudly powered by volunteers, who play a vital role in shaping a welcoming festival experience. Whether behind the scenes or in hands-on roles across events, volunteers are essential to the festival’s success. Anyone ready to step outside their bubble, connect with others, and contribute to a thriving, creative Central Coast is encouraged to join the team.
Fair Day is one of the festival’s most beloved and high-energy events. With stallholder opportunities now open, local makers, creators, small businesses, and community groups are invited to be part of the day. The 2026 Group Exhibition opens on September 29 at the Basement Gallery at FunHaus Factory. Artists can apply to submit their artwork, and the festival invites everyone to stay tuned for updates via social media or the website.
