Tamworth Regional Gallery Friend’s Silent Auction

 Art, Bids & Community Spirit: Tamworth Regional Gallery’s Silent Auction Returns – Bigger and Bolder

There’s something thrilling about placing a silent bid on an artwork you’ve fallen in love with. The quiet anticipation. The return visits. The whispered updates: “Am I still the top bid?”

That’s the magic of the Tamworth Regional Gallery Friend’s Silent Auction, and in 2026 the much-loved event returns with even more excitement, energy and art. Returning to the spacious Gallery One, this year’s auction promises a vibrant and eclectic exhibition of local creativity, showcasing works by a broad range of regional artists across painting, fibre/textiles, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, the exhibition offers something for every taste and budget.

The auction opens with a lively launch on Thursday the 2nd of July at 6pm, where art lovers can mingle, meet the artists, and place the first bids. Bidding remains open for 10 days, closing on Sunday the 12th of July at 1pm. When the clock strikes one, the highest bid secures the piece – it’s that simple, and that exciting!

But it’s not just about taking home a beautiful new artwork. The Silent Auction is the biggest annual fundraising event for the Tamworth Regional Gallery Friends; a dedicated volunteer group committed to supporting the gallery and enriching the local arts scene. Proceeds from the sale of artworks go toward acquiring new works for the gallery’s permanent collection, helping preserve and celebrate the creative spirit of our region.

Each artwork in the auction has been made available by the artists, either through generous donation or offered for sale, with a portion of proceeds supporting future acquisitions for the Gallery. Last year, the Silent Auction raised over $10,000 toward new works for the Gallery’s permanent collection, while $25,900 was returned directly to participating artists. When you place a bid, you’re not only supporting talented regional artists, you’re contributing to the growth of the Gallery’s collection
and the cultural legacy of our community.