Celebrating Strathfield: 140 years

The Municipality of Strathfield was incorporated 140 years ago on 2 June 1885. Since 1885, Strathfield district has grown from a semi-rural settlement of only 600 people to a district of about 50,000 in 2025.

You are invited to step back in time and explore the journey of the Strathfield district over 140 years. Our anniversary exhibition showcases the rich heritage, diverse communities and transformative moments that have shaped the Strathfield district. 

View historic photos and documents, see our video presentations and discover the people, places and events that define our district.

Exhibition

Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub

28 May to 27 July 2025

Official Opening

To be announced.

GUEST SPEAKER

To be announced.

RSVP:

To be announced.

Bookings are required for the opening for catering purposes, email exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

Image credit: Courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Milton Kent

Symphonic Trees: Fan Dongwang

Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub

4 April – 25 May 2025

Image Fan Dongwang Eucalyptus 2022, acrylic on canvas

Fan Dongwang’s exhibition explores the notion of painting and drawing the ubiquitous Australian gum trees through the techniques of Chinese painting, calligraphy and Western abstract art. It is a visual melody of the important role played by the trees in our environment.

Humble, resilient and iconic, the Australian gum tree has been drowned under roiling floods, consumed in flames, fallen to the buzz of the miller's saw and slowly choked with thirst. Yet each year it endures. The trees spread back across the land, from scorching deserts to desolate mountains.

If you look closely, at Dongwang’s works, these trees become living things akin to human beings: their solemn trunks dance in the wind, their magnificent bodies transforming into awe inspiring human torsos.

OFFICIAL OPENING:

Thursday 3 April 2025, 6pm

GUEST SPEAKER: 

Paul Howard, Curator and Collection Manager, Blacktown Arts

RSVP:

MONDAY 24 March 2025

Bookings are required for the opening for catering purposes

exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

EXHIBITION

4 April – 25 May 2025

Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub

Q&A Fan Dongwang(PDF, 123KB)
Exhibition Overview(PDF, 176KB)
Media Release(PDF, 143KB)

Watch now: Exhibition tour of Symphonic Trees: Fan Dongwang. 

Please email exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au for more information.

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Applications for 2025 have now closed. Applications to exhibit in 2026 will open in October 2025.  Those considering applying are encouraged to refer to past exhibiting artist, Marina Mavritsky’s application as an example of a succinct and considered application(PDF, 2MB).  All applicants are evaluated by a selection committee and based on the written application and supporting material provided.

Questions or comments? Please email renee.porter@strathfield.nsw.gov.au

All applicants should read the Community Art Space Program Scope and Conditions.pdf(PDF, 197KB)

Applications are not currently being taken. Keep an eye out for our applications acceptance dates.