Who we are

Australian Walking Artists (AWA) is a diverse community of artists across Australia for whom walking is central to creative practice. We come together online and in person to share and develop ideas, collaborate on projects, and engage in exhibitions and events.  As an artist-led organisation, all members contribute on a voluntary basis, ensuring AWA remains a dynamic and collectively driven community. We believe in the power of walking—literally and metaphorically—to foster creativity, equity, and sustainability in contemporary art. As an artist-led organisation, we’re committed to curiosity, inclusivity, and ethical practice, and we recognise our work takes place on the unceded lands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Our Mission

AWA champions walking art as a dynamic practice that engages with contemporary issues, advocates for access and inclusivity, and sparks reflection and dialogue. Through exhibitions, publications, and creative opportunities, we empower artists and promote walking as a critical art form.

Our Values

Inclusion and Accessibility
We believe walking art should be accessible to all, respecting diverse capacities and abilities.

Curiosity and Innovation
We embrace experimentation and continuous learning, pushing the boundaries of walking art.

Respect and Trust
We cultivate mutual respect and transparent governance to support our community and practices.

Learning and Growth
AWA is a space for reflection, knowledge-sharing, and collective development.

Mutual Support
We ensure a sustainable organisation through volunteering when possible.

Cultural Responsibility
We acknowledge the sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and aim to honour their connection to the land in all our practices.

Vision

AWA envisions walking art as a central and transformative creative practice that inspires social change, promotes inclusivity, and contributes to a more sustainable future.

How we’ll get there

Expand Membership and Representation
Grow AWA's membership to reflect diverse artistic practices and broaden our visibility.

Foster Community and Collaboration
Organise events and exhibitions to connect and inspire our members.

Promote Walking Art
Raise awareness of walking art through creative platforms and public presentations.

Advocate for Accessibility and Walkability
Support the right to access and move freely through spaces.

Establish AWA as a Leading Voice
Position AWA as a key advocate for walking art, locally and internationally.

Cultivate Innovation and Critical Engagement
Encourage creative risk-taking and engagement with contemporary issues through walking art.

Our network

The Australian Walking Artists are an affiliate of Walking Arts and Local Communities (WALC). WALC is an artistic cooperation project, co-funded by the European Union, Creative Europe. WALC is working to establish an International Center for Artistic Research and Practice of Walking Arts, in Prespa, Greece, and sets a new model for artists and organisations in community-based practices that benefit the rural and natural areas of all partners. The organisation builds on the work of hundreds of artists and researchers in a shared network practicing Walking Arts as a collaborative medium, including local residents, activists and nature workers, artists, researchers and curators. WALC welcomes international participants.

WALC consists of seven partners from five countries. They are: Visual March to Prespes, University of Western Macedonia;  walk · listen · create (Belgium); WalkLab2.PT at the University of Minho, Portugal; Contemporary Art Center Nau Côclea, Spain; Association Temps Reel, France; Action Synergy SA, Greece; School of Gaasbeek, Belgium.

You can learn more about WALC by listening to this conversation.