The 5th Tamworth Textile Triennial, Residue + Response, will call Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M) home from 21 Feb – 6 April 2025. This renowned national exhibition features 25 artworks by artists across Australia which explore the theme of the connection between our histories and futures.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said Northern Beaches Council is excited to host the Tamworth Textile Triennial.

“We are thrilled to host this impressive collection and to help Tamworth Regional Gallery celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Fibre Art Collection.

“It is a credit to the talent of the fibre artists across Australia and the Gallery for growing this Triennial into such a nationally respected exhibition.

Curated by Dr Carol McGregor, Residue + Response showcases the best of textile art from across the country and explores the premise of how the events of our past alter our values.

For Dr McGregor, this included some of the artists coming together through an artist exchange program, where expertise, knowledge and experience were shared in preparation for the exhibition.

“It was important to form strong relationships between artists, particularly this year, as we explored the connection between history and futures and the relatedness of all things,” explained Dr McGregor.

The 50th anniversary of the National Fibre Art Collection was marked in 2023, having been established in Tamworth in 1973 as an annual initiative of the Tamworth Arts and Crafts Society. Local textile advocates such as Sybil Orr, Ruth Blakely and Fran West are credited with trailblazing in the field at the time when art practices had to be fitted around household roles dictated by long-entrenched social traditions and gender inequality.

MAG&M has actively supported artists who work with fibre over many years, including most recently Sydney-based artist Katy B. Plummer. MAG&M recognizes the deep connection many people within its broad community have in textiles, especially as a medium for storytelling.

The exhibition started its tour in Tamworth and is touring to Adelaide, Broken Hill, Mildura, Wagga Wagga, Manly, Port Macquarie, Grafton and Ipswich until 2026.

Residue + Response: 5th Tamworth Textile Triennial has been made possible through funding from the NSW Government, and the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia and Regional Arts Fund programs.

Manly Art Gallery & Museum     
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly NSW 2095
Open Tue – Sun, 10 am – 5 pm (closed Mondays & Public Holidays) 
Free entry

Exhibition dates
21 February – 6 April 2025
Manly Art Gallery & Museum

MAG&M Members and Volunteers’ preview
Friday 21 February, 10 - 11 am

Exhibition opening
Friday 21 February, 6 – 8 pm
to be opened by the exhibition curator Dr Carol McGregor

For more information visit our website