Skywhales are coming to Bega!
Leading Australian contemporary artist Patricia Piccinini’s hyperreal hot air balloon sculptures Skywhale and Skywhalepapa take flight at Bega Showground at sunrise on Saturday 17 October, 2026.
Skywhales Across Australia offers a unique 90-minute experience to witness the magic of the skywhales.
The project centres around care, family and community. Pack a picnic, grab a coffee or breakfast from a food van and feel the anticipation build as the balloons inflate.
A soundscape sets the mood, and the slow inflation of the balloons, with cold air, then hot, allows the sculptures to rise from the ground and come to life. When fully inflated, and with weather permitting, the Skywhales will take to the skies together.
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Saturday 17 October 2026, sunrise event.
Bega Showground, 2 Upper St, Bega NSW
4.30am: Site open to public to view balloon inflation
5.40am: Welcome and Patricia Piccinini address*
6.10am: Skywhale and Skywhalepapa ceremony and launch (sunrise) accompanied by an original soundscape
6.30am: Event concludes
Free event. Click here to register.
This is a free community event. Registrations are essential for updates and any weather-related changes.
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*Please note: Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, artist Patricia Piccinini’s visit to Bega has been rescheduled to 10 October, when she will present the artist talk and children’s storytime programs associated with the Skywhales Across Australia tour.
The Skywhales Across Australia launch event will proceed as planned at the Bega Showgrounds on 17 October 2026. While Patricia will no longer be attending the launch event, we look forward to sharing the wonder of Skywhales Across Australia with our community this October. Thank you for your understanding.
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Free public programs
Artist Talk with Patricia Piccinini – Sat 10 Oct, 1pm-2pm
Learn about the internationally renowned artist’s creative practice, the concerns and themes that inform her work and the story of the Skywhales from their inception through to the national tour.
Children’s Storytime with Patricia Piccinini – Sat 10 Oct, 10.30am-11.30am
Follow the journey of the Skywhales family and explore nature, family, evolution, care and wonder with Patricia in this special book reading with the artist of her first children’s book, Every Heart Sings. Held at the Bega Library, including a craft activity. Suited to ages 4-7 years and their families.
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Learning Resources
Access the Skywhales Learning Resources and download the free Skywhales knitting pattern here.
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Skywhales Across Australia is a National Gallery Touring Event hosted by the South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA).
Skywhales is the third instalment of The Balnaves Contemporary Series and is a Know My Name project.
