Broken Hill Art Exchange (BHAE) is an artist-led, volunteer-run grassroots charity located on Wilyakali land. Our mission is to support all arts communities whilst creating experiences, projects and opportunities for locals, and events to attract visitors.

Desert Equinox began as a partnership between BHAE and the Environmental Research Initiative for Art (ERIA) in 2012, and has since become a yearly program of events, artist residencies, workshops and exhibitions run by BHAE. (Click on 'About' [above] to read about ERIA and the inaugural Desert Equinox exhibition, and click here to see the original catalogue.) 

This year, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of that initial exhibition (remembered as a significant cultural event), ERIA is returning to Broken Hill – Australia’s first Heritage City – and BHAE with Desert Equinox 10th Anniversary (DE10): a suite of site-specific artworks that reflect and comment on energy and its relationship with the environment. Supported by the Australia Council for the Arts, 21 artists on residency at BHAE will install 27 works by 26 artists in the Regeneration Area (‘the Regen,’ as it’s known locally), a significant topographical feature encircling Broken Hill. (Click on 'The Site' [above] to read more about the Regen.)

The vision of Albert and Margaret Morris, in developing the Regen, allowed the landscape to regenerate and improve the air quality and environment in the city. By acknowledging the land and environment as a significant participant in the artworks of this exhibition we witness, like the Morrises, the ongoing influence of industry on the environment.

BHAE prides itself on innovation. By supporting engagement in the Regen with the assistance of Broken Hill City Council, ERIA’s DE10 exhibition – situated within the natural landscape and viewed nocturnally via a meandering nature trail – opens up and celebrates a unique and spectacular night-time economy.

The first Desert Equinox opened up an annual program of creative activities and exhibitions celebrating the elements earth, air, fire and water. In the spirit of collaboration, staging DE10 in the Regen is a testament to the relationships between BHAE, Landcare Broken Hill, and the Barrier Field Naturalists’ Club. The potential for further collaboration with Landcare Broken Hill is exciting as BHAE continues to offer innovative artist residences and the opportunity for artists to engage with and respond to the unique and inspiring environments of the far west of New South Wales.

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