Audience gathered around a glowing art installation in a weathered Tasmanian shearing shed, 2019.

who we are

Ten Days on the Island exists to enrich the lives of Tasmanians by connecting people to this island and each other through extraordinary art. We believe art has the power to transform communities, strengthen identity, and create positive change.

Our biennial statewide festival presents Lutruwita/Tasmania in a global exchange of arts and culture, deeply connected to place. We commission bold new works by Tasmanian artists and bring extraordinary art from across the globe, transforming familiar and unexpected places into sites of connection and celebration.

Read more about us

The Ten Days on the Island festival team in matching black t-shirts, arms raised and beaming, photographed from above on a polished timber dancefloor inside a grand ornate ballroom. Robyn Archer leads the charge front and centre with arms flung wide, and absolutely nobody is playing it cool. Circa 2005.

Our History

Since 2001 Ten Days on the Island has brought artists and audiences together across Lutruwita/Tasmania. From the first festival to the most recent in 2025, the program has reached every corner of the state, in city venues and small halls, at dawn gatherings on the beach, and in the spaces between.

Our History

FROM THE JOURNAL

OUR TEAM

Vernon Guest, CEO of Ten Days on the Island.

Vernon Guest

CEO

 Marnie Karmelita, Artistic Director of Ten Days on the Island.

Marnie Karmelita

Artistic Director

 Stephanie Finn, Executive Services and Head of Partnerships at Ten Days on the Island.

Stephanie Finn

Executive Services and Head of Partnerships

 Christian Storan, Head of Production at Ten Days on the Island.

Christian Storan

Head of Production

 Caro Watson, Head of Marketing and Brand at Ten Days on the Island.

Caro Watson

Head of Marketing and Brand

Newton & Henry – Finance and Accounting Partners
Futago – Design Partners

OUR BOARD

Kerry Sarten, Chair of Ten Days on the Island, smiling warmly, long hair, pearl necklace, looking exactly like someone who chairs a board with both authority and grace.

Kerry Sarten

Chair

 Michelle Dracoulis, Board Director at Ten Days on the Island.

Michelle Dracoulis

Board Director

 Angela Driver, Board Director at Ten Days on the Island.

Angela Driver

Board Director

 Kirsten Galliott smiling broadly in a lace top, fringe perfectly placed, bringing excellent energy to a striped background.

Kirsten Galliott

Board Director

 Bella Kateros, Board Director at Ten Days on the Island.

Bella Kateros

Board Director

 Jono Perry in a suit jacket, broad smile, the kind of photo that says he is genuinely pleased to be here.

Jono Perry

Board Director

 Vanessa Pigrum smiling outdoors with curly hair and drop earrings, tall grasses behind her suggesting she is equally at home in a boardroom or a paddock.

Vanessa Pigrum

Board Director

 Isaac Poole in glasses and a suit and tie, measured expression, looking like someone who reads the fine print and finds things in it.

Isaac Poole

Board Director

FAQ

When is the next festival?

The next Ten Days on the Island runs 12 to 21 March 2027. The Festival is biennial, held every two years in March.

Where does the festival take place?

Ten Days on the Island programmes events across Lutruwita/Tasmania. The locations change with each Festival, shaped by the Artistic Director. Details of 2027 venues and locations will be announced when the programme is released.

Is the Festival accessible?

Yes. Accessibility is designed into the Festival from the start. We offer Auslan interpretation, audio description, relaxed performances, quiet spaces, and wheelchair access at venues across the programme. Full access details are published on each event page.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets for the 2027 Festival will be available from this website in November 2026. Subscribers get early access to tickets a day before they go on public sale. Subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss out.

How can I support the festival?

You can donate, become a monthly giver, or join one of our giving circles. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Visit our Support page for details.

How do I get involved?

In the lead up to the Festival we recruit volunteers and seasonal staff across production, front of house, and operations. Opportunities are posted on this website and through our newsletter when recruitment opens. If you’d like to register your interest early, get in touch at hello@tendays.org.au.

Where is Ten Days on the Island based?

Our office is in Pataway/Burnie on Tasmania’s North West Coast. As a statewide festival, being based in a regional community keeps us connected to the audiences and places we serve.

Who runs the Festival?

Ten Days on the Island is led by CEO Vernon Guest and Artistic Director Marnie Karmelita, supported by a core team and seasonal staff. It is a not-for-profit charity governed by an independent Board of Directors, supported by the Tasmanian Government and our partners.

Our Partners

Presenting Partner

Tasmanian Government

Major Partners

City of Clarence
Burnie City Council
Australian Government - Festivals Australia
City of Hobart
City of Launceston

Programme Partners

FRRR - Elders Insurance
St Lukes
University of Tasmania

Accommodation Partners

Accor

Supporters

VOS
Pitt and Sherry
The Guardian

Foundations and Donors

Jin-Gang-Dhyana-Wang-Xin-De-Foundation_LOGO
WD Booth
FRRR
Darin Cooper Foundation
Island Circles
Island Circles Heroines

Official Suppliers

Alive Technologies
Anvers
launceston Airport
Clover Hill
Oi Studios
Edge Legal
futago
Groom Kennedy
Impress Print
Clennett's Mitre 10
Document Mangament Tasmania

For twenty-six years, Ten Days on the Island has connected communities across the state through world-class art. Our partners share that commitment and make it possible. We thank everyone who has supported the festival over that time and warmly invite you to join us.

If you have queries about partnerships with Ten Days on the Island please contact;

Vernon Guest
CEO
EMAIL vernon.guest@tendays.org.au
PHONE +61 3 6406 0200