New Chairperson for Margaret River Region Open Studios 2026

We are thrilled to announce that Dunsborough arts administrator and enthusiast, Jacquie Happ OAM is the new Chair for Margaret River Region Open Studios 2026. Jacquie has been involved in starting many events and art projects in the Busselton – Dunsborough region for over 30 years, mostly as a volunteer. For this she received an Order of Australia Medal in 2024.

She has been involved in the MRROS event since its inception in 2014 and the committee by invitation in 2016. She has been Vice Chair to outgoing Chair Jim Davies who has stepped down to focus on a recent move with his wife Dorothy to the bright lights of Melbourne. Since becoming Chair in 2017, Jim led MRROS to a new level through his exceptional marketing skills, strengthening its profile and positioning the event for continued success. He leaves MRROS in outstanding shape. In recognition of this contribution, Jim and Dororthy – who has been the creative director for the event and responsible for the colourful graphics that define the Event Guide, were made Life Members at the recent annual general meeting.

Jacquie said she is excited to be stepping into the role of Chair for the 13th MRROS event. “Open Studios continues to grow because it offers something rare —authentic access to artists, their stories and the places where creativity happens,” Jacquie said. “It brings together the region’s incredible artists that live and work here and draws thousands of visitors from around the state and increasingly interstate and overseas. “We go into this year’s event with an enthusiastic board including industry professionals while maintaining our important grassroots artists representation which includes Cindy Nasato, Melanie Jarman, Camille Reid and Toni Salmon. “I’m delighted to be working with new members Susanne Finn as Vice Chair, our previous public relations consultant Janine Pittaway and Arts Ambassador Andrew Thornton Hick, while Susan Montanari continues on as Treasurer.”

Last year’s MRROS drew more than 15,000 tourists to the region and over 100,000 art studio visitors.

Margaret River Region Open Studios will run from 12-27 September this year.