How can we create freedom and wellbeing for everyone? What would a society that gives back more than it takes look like? What will we eat? How do we care for ourselves, each other, and the environment?
These are questions that curator Sarah Roots has invited regional curators and artists to consider through her curatorial vision ‘Radical Futures’ for the third iteration of the Regional Arts Triennial.
The Regional Arts Triennial is a statewide arts initiative entailing a year-long program of regionally-led exhibitions and events, connecting over one hundred artists in thirteen exhibitions, right across regional Western Australia. From these regional exhibitions, a selection of work will form a major survey show to be held at John Curtin Gallery in September 2026. A selection of the work will then tour with ART ON THE MOVE in 2027-2029.
Having just returned from the launch of the first exhibition in Carnarvon, we caught up with Sarah to learn a little more about her and her vision for ‘Radical Futures’.
Image credit: Sarah Roots at the opening of Solid Ground, Carnarvon Library and Art Gallery. Photography by Andrew Robertson/Gascoyne Media.
Can you share a little about your background and journey into curating?
I have European migrant heritage of many generations, from many lands, and was born and raised on Dharug Country. Since early childhood I have been interested in the arts, lapping up any opportunity to learn textiles or decoupage from Grandma, attend every gallery or production I was able to and stack every creative elective during secondary and tertiary education. Photography, creative writing, fine art, automotive airbrushing; any creative opportunity was grasped with both hands.
My journey into arts work, specifically curating, was ignited by my time at University of Western Sydney’s Kingswood campus. My intention was to become an educator, however the way in which fellow Dr Pamela James passionately introduced the intricate details of curatorial practice and Professor James Arvanitakis so engagingly shared the necessity of self-reflexivity, sparked a curiosity that still burns brightly within me.
After settling on Ngarluma ngurra in 2011, I was given my first chance for hands-on curatorial learning volunteering at the Cossack Art Awards, which is a mammoth of a showcase and provided insights logistically. But it was my privilege volunteering with the Wangaba Roebourne Art Group that provided the deepest opportunities for growth and (un)learning that equipped me to constantly reflect on best practice and engage ethically and effectively with artists. I had the pleasure of fulfilling the Program Manager role for the Red Earth Arts Precinct exhibition program for three years, centring more than 90 regional artists across 18 regionally lead exhibitions.
Image credit: Sarah Roots and Rochelle O’Brien at the opening of Solid Ground, Carnarvon Library and Art Gallery. Photography by Susanna Castleden.
What drew you to the opportunity to curate the third Regional Arts Triennial?
Representation. I realised that the cultural powerhouse of Ieramagadu/Roebourne had missed the opportunity in the last iteration of the Triennial, Open Borders. As a regional artist and arts worker, I possess a fierce belief in regional artists and the need for the arts within the regions, particularly here on Ngarluma ngurra where Ieramagadu/Roebourne lays and where I’ve been graced to live and work for 14 years.
What inspired the curatorial theme ‘Radical Futures’? Can you share a bit about the concept ‘aesthetic force’?
Radical Futures is a forward-moving concept that builds upon the legacy of past Regional Arts Triennial iterations; The Alternative Archive and Open Borders. Civilisation as we know it is on the precipice of great change, social, political and environmental. Locally, in the current context of a post-referendum, pre-treaty Australia; we witness the sovereignty of many Indigenous peoples being challenged, and powerful protests led by figures such as Senator Lidia Thorpe and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke reverberate around the world.
In the context of the Triennial, ‘radical’ very intentionally refers to the original meaning of the word derived from Latin, meaning “root”. ‘Radical’ was originally understood as fundamental or essential. Reverting to the original tradition or core values. Specifically in the context of Indigenous sovereignty, meaning can be drawn from Radical Futures as ‘original futures’ or ‘futures of origin.’ In unprecedented times and environments, art and design play pivotal roles in shaping new ways of being and living. Cultural historian Sarah Elizabeth Lewis describes the power of the arts to drive change as ‘aesthetic force’. Radical Futures aims to implement exactly that, the force of the arts. To spark aspirational imagination across many different art forms and foster dialogue about the infinite possibility of a better future across the unique and diverse regions.
Image credit: Solid Ground opening, Carnarvon Library and Art Gallery. Photography by Andrew Robertson/Gascoyne Media.
The regional exhibitions are kicking off this month and will continue into 2026 leading up to the survey exhibition at John Curtin Gallery. Could you tell us a little more about what’s been happening on the ground so far?
I have just returned from Yinggarda Country to attend the opening Solid Ground at the Carnarvon Library and Art Gallery. It was a packed house; more than 80 people joined and many of the incredible artists were in attendance.
We also had Associate Professor and Director of John Curtin Gallery (JCG) Susanna Castleden with us on the evening, which was such a treat for all, particularly local curator on Yinggarda country, Rochelle O’Brien and myself. Susanna offered invaluable advice, unique perspective and was able to assist with information gathering and other selection duties involved for the Radical Futures survey exhibition to be held at JCG in 2026.
What are you most excited about for the year ahead?
I must admit, after attending Solid Ground, I am assured that I am most excited about connecting with all of the wonderful people behind the scenes, working tirelessly to bring this creative juggernaut to life. Spanning more than 3,500 kilometres and all of the back-roads in between, the Regional Arts Triennial is the single most conducive way I have ever experienced to connect creative communities across the expanse. I’ve had the pleasure to email, call and e-meet many of these incredible creatives, but to share a cuppa face-to-face and listen will be one of the greatest privileges ever afforded to me.
2025 TRIENNIAL DATES
Radical Futures: Solid Ground
Now – 4 October, Carnarvon Library and Art Gallery, Gwoonwardu/Carnarvon, Yinggarda Country.
View the works online
Radical Futures: We Walk Together will take place across three sites:
11 – 22 September, Artopia Gallery, Kununurra, Miriuwung and Gajerrong Country
26 September – 2 October, The Octagon, Rubibi/Broome, Yawuru Country
26 September – 2 October, The Library Annex, University of Notre Dame, Rubibi/Broome, Yawuru Country
Visit the Kimberley Arts Network website for more information
For more information about upcoming Triennial exhibitions visit the Southern Forest Arts website
The WA Regional Arts Triennial 3: Radical Futures is proudly supported by the WA Government. It is coordinated by Southern Forest Arts with support from ART ON THE MOVE through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost. Project partners include John Curtin Gallery, Regional Arts WA, GalleriesWest and Kimberley Arts Network.