Faith and the Arts 2026 is
an artists’ retreat for self-directed creatives
4th-8th January 2026 in Poatina
"Profound. It is always a blessing and a time to reset."
A relaxed, low key Artists’ Retreat...
think “FATA without electives”
...an opportunity to work on your own creative projects, reflect and chill. Gather for encouragement, fellowship and possible collaboration. Share meals, discussion time and creative worship each day.
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Maybe you’ve been on the FATA team in the past?
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or participated in FATA and have your own arts practice?
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or you’re new to FATA and would like time to work on your creative projects?
Faith and the Arts will be
different this year
Due to local changes our FATA26retreat event is crafted to cater for those with a self-directed arts practice. FATA is usually an amazing opportunity to be taught new skills and have support to engage in creative activities, however this year we're crafting a lower key, simpler event. We’d love you to come and join us if it’s for you.
Gatherings
Our time spent together each morning anchors our time spent individually on our creative work. It's really the hub of our event, and our opportunity to focus, worship creatively and hear stories about the merging of faith and art.
Our beautiful team of facilitators are curating these sessions already - working with our amazing keynote and preparing for amazing you to join the fun!
Come to FATA to retreat, to refocus. Come to Gatherings to connect - with each other and with our Creator
Keynote Speaker
Andrew Legg is a statesman in the Arts - a leader in the music industry, tertiary education and worship music. He is best known as a powerhouse African American gospel and soul pianist/composer/arranger/producer.
Andrew founded the iconic, Hobart-based Southern Gospel Choir which received an ARIA nomination, toured the US and broadcast to over 5 million viewers world-wide. Andrew writes, performs, produces and shares ARIA and DOVE awards with some of the most respected gospel and hip-hop artists in the USA. In his spare time, he has written 15 commissioned works for orchestra and film, including Let Freedom Ring (TSO).
Andrew has worked as Director of Music at St Clements Anglican Church in Kingston, Tas, is a Fellow of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, former Director of the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music, and is now Associate Professor and Director of the UTAS Creative Arts and Media University Connections Program.
Retreat Mode
Where did the Electives go?
Our incredible array of AM and PM Electives facilitated by our wonderful national network of Arts practitioners and educators is on hold for this year while Poatina undergoes a transition and some of our facilities and resources are in flux.
We all need time away from busyness to regather our thoughts, develop a dream or recover from some of life's challenges. It may not be clear how to spend the time at this stage, but a first step could be to commit to being here and trust that the purpose and approach will become clear.
What to do with the retreat time?
compose, write, sculpt, paint or choreograph
spend time with God, journal or work through a reflective book
just be, sit, walk in the bush or chat with others
Bring all the materials you need, and we'll provide shared workspaces with tables and chairs.
This year, Faith and the Arts is an opportunity for creative individuals to set aside blocks of time each morning and afternoon to develop creative projects or spend time in creative reflection.
In our schedule you'll see these blocks each morning from 8:30am to 10:30am and each afternoon between lunch and dinner.
If you're familiar with our usual Retreat Mode Elective, then this will feel similar. If you recall our winter Artist Retreats in years gone by, this is a similar program.
"Simply a blessing. All facets were worthwhile and good for the soul"
"Restorative and empowering"
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