Dear friends,

On summer evenings the island hums. Sea breeze in the gums, music drifting across a park, kids chasing light, strangers becoming neighbours for an hour or two. That’s the magic you helped make this year.

This festival wasn’t a parade of events, it was a string of small, bright moments that stitched communities together. We stood on Bellerive Boardwalk inside the Taniwha Time Machine, breathed in freshly turned soil while WILDS reminded us that the earth is a living collaborator, and finished the week in Pataway/Burnie with guitars, stories, and a town celebrating another successful festival. Everywhere we went, people brought their whole selves: curiosity, kindness, a willingness to be moved, and we tried to meet that with care.

What made me proud wasn’t just the art (though it was extraordinary), it was the attention around it. Auslan at the ready. Relaxed performances and low‑sensory sessions for gentler edges. Quiet spaces for when the world felt loud. Front‑of‑house teams welcoming folks like old friends. Volunteers going the extra mile because they believe art should be for everyone. When access becomes hospitality, belonging follows.

To everyone who made this year’s festival possible, thank you. It was a privilege to work alongside so many talented people who care deeply about our island home.

We honoured place. Ten Days on the Island pays deep respect to the Palawa community, the original owners and cultural custodians of this land and water. Their guidance and generosity shaped how we gathered this year, and how we’ll keep gathering.

As we look toward 2027, we’re holding on to what matters: Tasmanian stories first, fearless collaboration, and the simple joy of meeting in public space to share art. In times when the world feels uncertain, these shared moments remind us of our resilience and our need for connection.

From my family to yours, thank you for the year we’ve shared. May your summer bring peace, good company, and the kind of art that helps us feel less alone.

Gratefully,
Vernon Guest
CEO

Image: Vernon Guest on SWING by Ian Pidd, photo by Nick Hanson