FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us at capitalpleinair@gmail.com or join our Facebook group for further assistance.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: What are the terms and conditions of entry?
A: Please review the full Terms and Conditions on our website before registering.
Q: Can I attend if I’m not painting?
A: Yes, you are welcome to enjoy the festival atmosphere from April 25th to 27th. The public is encouraged to watch artists in action. Registration is only required for artists wishing to participate.
Q: Do I have to be a professional artist to enter the “Open” category?
A: No, anyone can enter the “Open” category. However, please note that you will be judged alongside professional artists for a chance to win the prizes in this category.
Q: Can my partner attend?
A: Yes, your partner is welcome to join you during the festival, as long as they are not painting. No registration is required for them.
Q: Can non-registered artists attend workshops and demonstrations?
A: Yes, non-registered artists can attend the open-air painting demonstrations. To participate in workshops, registration is required.
Q: What if I can’t attend all the days of the festival?
A:Your registration allows participation from Monday, April 21st through Sunday, April 27th, which includes the pre-festival “Discover Ngunnawal” paint-outs, the main festival weekend, and the Quick Draw Competition on Sunday. While you are not required to paint every day, we recommend registering for the Quick Draw if you can only attend one day. To keep things simple, we have one all-inclusive fee that covers all aspects of the festival. Whether you are able to attend the pre-festival paint-outs, the weekend only, one day or the full event, the cost remains the same. As a non-profit organization, this fee helps cover essential expenses such as insurance, public land use permits, and various administrative and coordination costs for all parts of the festival. Unfortunately, we are unable to separate the fee based on individual participation in different segments of the event.
Q: What if it rains?
A: We understand that rain is a common concern for outdoor events, but rest assured, we’ve designed the festival with flexibility in mind to ensure everyone can make the most of their experience.
April in Canberra is one of the driest months of the year, and it’s unlikely that the entire week will be rained out. Even if rain does occur, most painters find creative ways to keep going—whether it’s finding shelter under a tree, an awning, painting from your car, or even painting from your car. Storms in autumn are typically short-lived, and many rainy days still allow for productive painting sessions.
For those participating in workshops, we’ll provide sheltered areas to keep you dry and comfortable. Additionally, we’ve built in four days of pre-festival painting before the main weekend (Friday to Sunday). This extra time ensures that even if the weather does interrupt a day or two, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to paint.
If bad weather arises, we’re prepared to adjust the schedule and move some painting locations to more protected spots. Plus, for interstate travelers or anyone who wants a break, Canberra offers incredible attractions like the National Gallery and other cultural landmarks to explore during downtime.
In summary, while rain is always a possibility, we’ve taken every measure to ensure your experience remains enjoyable and rewarding. Painting in the great outdoors is all about embracing the elements—and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Q: What does my registration include?
A: Your registration covers:
- Access to workshops hosted by featured festival artists (additional fees apply).
- Permission to paint at specified locations during the pre-festival “Discover Ngunnawal” paint-outs (April 21-24).
- Permission to paint during the main festival weekend(April 25-27).
- Free artist parking at designated festival locations.
- Eligibility to display and sell up to two artworks at the “Discover Ngunnawal” wet wall (subject to size limits and prior stamping).
- Eligibility to enter two artworks for the “Capital Plein Air Art Awards” in one of three categories: Open, Non-Professional, or Youth.
- Participation in the 2-hour Quick Draw Painting Competition on Sunday, April 27.
- Free access to open-air artist demonstrations and presentations during the festival weekend.
Q: What is the artist cancellation policy?
- Registration is non-refundable.
- Cancellations for workshops made more than 30 days in advance incur a 20% retention fee.
- Cancellations less than 30 days prior to the event are non-refundable but can be transferred to another participant. We will assist in finding a replacement.
- Refunds will be issued after the festival.
Covid-19: The festival will follow the directives of Australia’s Chief Medical Officer. If public events are cancelled, the festival will move to an online format, with judging and awards still taking place.
Q: How do we sign up to Volunteer?
A: This is a grass roots community event and we depend on volunteers to help make it a success. There are opportunities to volunteer while still being part of the festival. If you’re not sure you want to join in the festival this year, volunteering is a great way to be part of it without being a registered artist. Use the sign up form at the link below.
https://signup.zone/42iz6PDzMi9hKsjnz
SALES AND ARTWORK
Q: Can I sell my artwork during the festival?
A: Yes! You are encouraged to sell any art you create or additional artwork at your easel (within reason). If you plan to submit an artwork for judging then don’t sell it to the public prior to the exhibition. Art submitted for the awards exhibition will be available for sale over the weekend. Please note, setting up a formal stall is not permitted. A 25% commission will be applied to all sales during the event.
Q: Can you handle the sale for me?
A: Yes, we can process the transaction for you and transfer the proceeds, minus the 25% commission.
WORKSHOPS
Q: What is the cancellation policy for workshops?
- Cancellations more than 30 days before the event incur a 20% retention fee.
- Cancellations less than 30 days in advance are non-refundable but can be transferred to another participant. We will help find a replacement if needed.
- Refunds will be processed after the festival.
Covid-19: The festival will follow guidelines set by Australia’s Chief Medical Officer. If public events are cancelled, the festival will transition online. Judging and awards will continue as planned.
Q: Where can I find materials lists for workshops?
A: Instructors will email materials lists directly to registered attendees at the email address provided during registration.
Q: Can paintings produced in workshops be entered for awards?
A: No, paintings created during workshops are not eligible for awards judging.
Q: Do I have to enter the awards?
A: No, entering your work into the awards is optional. We encourage artists of all skill levels to attend for the painting experience, and refunds are not available if you choose not to participate in the awards.
Q: Are studio touch-ups allowed?
A: No, studio touch-ups are not permitted. The festival emphasizes outdoor painting, and all artwork should be completed on-site. Please take a photo of your completed painting with the subject in view to demonstrate it was finished without studio modifications.
ACCOMMODATION
Q: Where is the best place to book accommodation in Canberra?
A: The pre-festival paint-outs are held in southern and western areas of Canberra, while the festival weekend locations are in central Canberra. We recommend booking accommodation that is a short drive to the National Arboretum, where events on Friday and Sunday will be held. Canberra is quite spread out, so choose a location that suits your preferences and budget. Parking is always something that needs to be considered when booking accommodation in Canberra. Below is a variety of accommodation options within an easy drive to the Arboretum – please note we are not affiliated with any of these companies.
Alivio Tourist Park
Statesman Hotel Curtain
Hotel Forrest
Hotel Kurrajong
Hyatt Hotel
TRANSPORTATION
Q: Will I need a car to get to paint-out locations?
A: Yes, a car is necessary as festival painting locations are not easily accessible via public transportation. If you need a ride, consider coordinating with other festival participants through our Facebook group.
ART MATERIALS & SUPPLIES
Q: Will art materials be provided?
A: No, artists are responsible for bringing their own materials.
Q: Will solvents be available for purchase for oil painters traveling by plane?
A: Yes, solvents will be available for purchase at the festival.
Q: Do I need a plein air easel to participate?
A: While a plein air easel is ideal, you can use any type of easel or setup that works for you. We recommend testing your equipment in a local setting before using it at festival locations.