Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM), a treasured cultural hub in north-western New South Wales, is set to deliver an extraordinary 2025 exhibition program under the inspired leadership of its newly appointed director, Rosie Dennis.
With more than 15 years of experience crafting large-scale artistic and cultural experiences, Dennis brings fresh energy and a commitment to sharing stories rooted in place and community.
The program promises an exciting blend of local connections, national treasures, and globally significant works, cementing BAMM as a vital force in the regional arts scene.
A Year of Artistic Vision
Dennis’ vision for BAMM brings together diverse voices and ambitious projects, celebrating both local talent and the broader artistic landscape. The year begins with In Her Own Time (4 April – 31 May 2025), a major exhibition showcasing a stunning collection of works by renowned Australian artist Elisabeth Cummings. Spanning 50 years, this series reflects Cummings’ mastery of bold colour and fluid mark-making, offering an intimate perspective on her connection to the Australian landscape.
Running alongside is Primavera 2023, a touring exhibition that elevates the talents of emerging Australian artists. Curated by Talia Smith, it features thought-provoking works by Tiyan Baker, Christopher Bassi, Moorina Bonin, Nikki Lam, Sarah Poulgrain, and Truc Truong.
BAMM Biennale Portrait Prize Returns
Now in its 7th iteration, the BAMM Biennale Portrait Prize reaffirms its position as one of Australia’s most anticipated acquisitive art competitions with an increased prize value of $10,000. Open to artists nationwide, the prestigious prize celebrates excellence in portraiture, culminating with an exhibition of finalists (30 May – 19 July) and the announcement of the winner on 29 May 2025.
Exploring New Horizons
From 1 August to 13 September 2025, BAMM will present three concurrent exhibitions, each with a distinctive approach to storytelling and connection.
- Boundaries: Transcended, a heartfelt celebration of community resilience, showcases 700 tiny ceramic homes crafted by hundreds of participants, reflecting the power of togetherness in the resettlement of refugees in the Hunter Valley.
- New Horizons highlights emerging Gamilaroi artists Janice (Genus) Giffin, David (Crockett) Craigie, Glenda Nicholls, George See, and Chris Roberts, whose works beautifully capture cultural connections to land and wildlife.
- Conversation Starters, curated by Moree framer Kerrie Matchett, offers intimate glimpses into personal histories through an eclectic collection of framed heirlooms and collectibles.
Local Art, Global Icons
The BAMM Regional Art Fair (26 September – 18 October 2025) returns with this year’s theme, Rising Tides. Featuring paintings, sculpture, ceramics, screen works, textiles, and photography, it will showcase creativity from regional Australian artists, alongside micro-gallery exhibitions spotlighting powerful voices from rural communities.
Closing the year on a monumental note, BAMM is honoured to present the New South Wales debut of Nan Goldin’s groundbreaking photographic work, The ballad of sexual dependency (30 October – 19 December 2025). Courtesy of the National Gallery of Australia’s Bowness Family Foundation Photography Touring Program, this iconic series provides an intimate look into Goldin’s community and the raw stories of the Bowery district’s creative and queer scene in 1970s New York. Each of the 126 breathtaking vintage photographs tells a deeply personal tale of love, empathy, and the complexities of relationships.
Another must-see exhibition running concurrently is a new photographic series by Joshua Morris, exploring the enduring connection between farmers and the land. Launching in October and running through January 2026, this evocative work celebrates the grit, resilience, and human relationships that underpin life on the land.
Beyond the Canvas
Complementing the exhibitions, BAMM will deliver a suite of public programs to deepen community engagement. Highlights include the BAMM Concert Series, with performances by acclaimed musicians such as Jon Rose, Erik Griswold, Simon Tedeschi, William Barton, Véronique Serret, Claire Edwardes, Roger Knox, and Toby Martin.
Innovative, community-focused projects bring additional layers to this year’s program. Team Trampoline, led by interdisciplinary artist Meg Wilson, will involve local school groups in creative collaborations, while Charles Lomu’s Garage Barbershop will teach young men barbering skills as part of a moving photographic exhibition. Outcomes from these projects will culminate in a showcase in August 2025.
A Cultural Heartbeat
Rosie Dennis reflects on the upcoming program’s importance to Moree and beyond, stating, “I am delighted to reveal the 2025 program at BAMM, one that is underpinned by energy, enthusiasm and drive, starting from home… This year, we are not only continuing to celebrate rich local connections but also expanding our reach to bring leading Australian and International voices to the forefront. This year’s program allows us to shine a spotlight on the stories that make BAMM a cultural cornerstone, and to create a space that fosters creativity, sparks conversation, and strengthens our position as a vital hub for the arts in the region and beyond.”
With its commitment to bridging local narratives and global stories, BAMM’s 2025 program is set to leave an indelible mark on art lovers and the broader community alike. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, this is the year to experience BAMM’s evolving legacy.
BAMM 2025 PROGRAM DATES:
Elisabeth Cummings: In Her Own Time | 4 April – 31 May 2025
Primavera | 4 April – 24 May 2025
BAMM Biennale Portrait Prize | 30 May – 19 July 2025
Boundaries: Transcended | 1 August – 13 September 2025
New Horizons | 1 August – 13 September 2025
Conversation Starters | 1 August – 13 September 2025
Garage Barbershop & Team Trampoline (exhibitions) | 1 August – 13 September 2025
BAMM Regional Art Fair | 26 September – 18 October 2025
Nan Goldin: The ballad of sexual dependency | 30 October – 19 December 2025