What if the future was less about people taking from nature and more about working with it?

That is the big idea behind CEAD Panel 2026: Imagining our Symbiotic Future, a free community event coming to Manly Art Gallery & Museum on Thursday 10 September 2026.

Now in its third year, the Collective for Environmental Art & Design (CEAD) brings artists, designers, researchers and the community together through programs, partnerships and events that encourage practical action and new ideas.

The evening brings together 3 leading voices in creativity, science and the environment for a lively conversation about how people, places and the natural world can better look after each other.

Guests will hear from Andy Marks, founder and Executive Director of the Symbiocene Institute, acclaimed photo-media artist Anne Zahalka and dark sky advocate Marnie Ogg, with ABC Radio National Science Editor Dr Jonathan Webb guiding the discussion.

Together, they will explore how art, design and science can spark fresh thinking about climate, biodiversity, sustainability and the way we live with the environment around us.

This year’s theme, symbiosis, is all about connection: how people can build stronger relationships with nature, with each other and with the places we call home.

CEAD Panel 2026: Imagining our Symbiotic Future is on Thursday 10 September 2026 from 5.30 to 7.30pm at Manly Art Gallery & Museum. The event is free and bookings are essential.

Event details
CEAD Panel 2026: Imagining our Symbiotic Future
Thursday 10 September 2026, 5.30–7.30pm
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
Free event. Bookings essential.

Gallery details / public information
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly NSW 2095
Open Tue – Sun, 10 am – 5 pm (closed Mondays & Public Holidays)
Free entry

Further information available here.