When Camden Council put out the call for local artists to fill street flags along two town centre strips, the plan was a modest seasonal display. More than 120 expressions of interest came back. The 2026 Street Flag Exhibition, open since 15 June, now fills Argyle Street, Camden and Central Avenue, Oran Park with 124 artworks, spreading beyond flags onto bus stops and other surfaces.
The free exhibition runs until 31 August, turning routine errands into something richer. More than 60 Macarthur-region artists contributed to the flag displays, including 32 students from TAFE NSW Campbelltown’s Diploma of Graphic Design and Diploma of Visual Arts courses. Their work hangs alongside established local painters, illustrators, and designers, making the streets a rolling gallery that costs nothing to walk through.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the exhibition had expanded because the quality of submissions demanded it. “The Street Flag Exhibition brings art out of traditional gallery spaces and into the heart of our community, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy,” she said. “Whether you’re shopping, dining, meeting friends or simply taking a stroll, I encourage everyone to take the time to explore the exhibition and discover the stories, ideas and perspectives captured in each artwork.”
For the TAFE students, it was a real-world brief that produced more than class work. Head Teacher Lydia Kullik said the selection of 32 student pieces reflected the calibre of the programs. “This achievement reflects the outstanding quality of work produced by our students and highlights the high standard of teaching and learning we deliver at TAFE NSW Campbelltown,” she said. “It’s terrific to collaborate with Camden Council on this fantastic opportunity.”
Among the student designs, two in particular capture the different ways art can anchor a place. Danielle Tyerman, a Diploma of Graphic Design student and Camden local, used floral illustrations pulled from a TAFE project. “I used some of the floral illustrations from a project we were working on at TAFE NSW. The florals reflected the beauty, growth, and community spirit of the area,” she said. “Being a local, it was so exciting to see my work being recognised and displayed within the community.”
Sharon Auerbach took a more personal route. Her selected artwork is packed with intricate mandala-style illustrations inspired by her standard poodles. “Having my work chosen for public display was both exciting and rewarding. It gave me confidence in my abilities as a designer,” she said. “It was a proud moment to see something I’d created representing both my studies and my local community. Animals, particularly my own dogs, have always been a favourite subject in my creative work.”
The exhibition is part of Camden Council’s broader push to embed creativity in everyday public life, through its Creative at Camden program and a series of public art initiatives that also includes the long-running Camden Art Prize.
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Camden Council
The local government authority for the Camden Local Government Area in south-western Sydney, responsible for community services, planning, cultural development, and public art initiatives including the annual Street Flag Exhibition and Camden Art Prize.
Visitors can self-guide along both shopping strips. Argyle Street in Camden Town Centre, lined with heritage buildings and cafes, carries the display between Elizabeth and Murray Streets. Central Avenue at Oran Park Town Centre, between Dick Johnson Drive and Peter Brock Drive, offers a more contemporary setting. A full catalogue of artworks is downloadable from the council website, allowing you to match pieces to artists as you walk.
If you’re planning a visit, driving is the most practical option, though buses such as route 6008 connect the two centres. Parking is time-restricted, so check street signage. Once you’ve walked the exhibition, you can extend the day with heritage walking tours, the Camden Museum, Alan Baker Art Gallery, or one of the local markets. More ideas are at visitcamden.com.au.
With the exhibition closing on 31 August, only seven weeks remain to see the 124 works in their everyday setting. Some of the pieces appear on bus stops rather than flags, so keep an eye out. And once the banners come down, the streets will go back to business as usual, until next winter’s call for artists.