Dylan Bolt, Migration Buddies, 2025

Bundjalung Artist Dylan Bolt Recognised with Solo Exhibition in Coffs Harbour

Arts Northern Rivers is thrilled to see Bundjalung artist Dylan Bolt gaining wider recognition, with his work recently featured in a respected arts festival in our neighbouring region.

Sea Country, Dylan’s solo exhibition opening in Coffs Harbour on 10 July, is a heartfelt exploration of Australia’s marine life and the vital ecosystems that support it. Dylan is a Bundjalung man living on Yaegl Country, and has been supported through several of our professional development and outreach programs. We’re proud to have played a role in his artistic journey.

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About Sea Country

Sea Country is a heartfelt exploration of Australia’s marine life and the ecosystems that sustain it. Through a series of underwater ocean scapes, this exhibition draws attention to the urgent need to protect our oceans, while celebrating the deep, ancestral relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold with the sea.

Guided by the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” the exhibition honours the enduring custodianship of Sea Country—past, present and future. It reflects on the strength of First Nations communities in continuing this care, the vision needed to heal and protect these environments, and the legacy being built for generations to come.

Having experienced the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef firsthand, Dylan shares a vision of preservation and interconnectedness. Sea Country is both a visual celebration and a call to action—amplifying the role of young leaders in carrying forward cultural responsibility to protect the ocean, its creatures, and the stories it holds.

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About Dylan Bolt

Based on Bundjalung Country, Dylan is known for his evocative oil paintings that explore our relationship with the environment. Often placing himself within the work, Dylan’s practice reflects his connection to the ocean, memory, and place. He holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts from Southern Cross University and is passionate about amplifying the visibility of contemporary Indigenous artists.

His growing presence beyond the Northern Rivers is a strong example of what’s possible for regional creatives.

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> View Dylan’s Northern Rivers Creative profile
> Learn more about the exhibition Sea Country

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About Sea Country

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Arts Northern Rivers respectfully acknowledges Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Githabul Country, the lands we work and create on. We appreciate the unique and vibrant array of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders artists and cultural practitioners from here and living here. We strive to strengthen self-determination, promote presence, and support cultural continuation.

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