The region’s first STEAM Fair, drawing over 1,000 visitors across the weekend.

The inaugural STEAM Fair at The Foundations ran from 10 to 12 November 2023 and was hailed a great success. Over 150 school children took part in workshops during the Friday preview day, and more than 1,000 visitors attended across the weekend, taking in old steam engines, printing presses, vintage computers, VR experiences and a wide range of workshops, talks and tours.

The Saturday night opening in The Annexe launched “Mutualism”, a new collaborative work by artist Tully Arnot and local blacksmith Phil Spark exploring the endangered Purple Copper Butterfly. Guests also heard from Ian Allan, supervisor of Natural Areas & Arboriculture at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, on his role protecting the Wollemi Pines during the 2019–20 Black Summer Bushfires. The event was officially opened by the Director of Regional Development Australia, one of the major event sponsors.

“This was the first event of its kind in the region, and with the great feedback we have received over the weekend, hopefully it will be the first of many more to come.” – Rich Evans, STEAMWorks committee member