At Northern Beaches Council, a brand-new arts festival was launched this winter.
Creative Open is a new annual program that spotlights the creative sector of Northern Beaches.
It’s designed to be a highly flexible, living and breathing format that can show off the powerhouse of art, design and creativity that exists on the Northern Beaches from year to year.
In each iteration, it will grow and adapt with the local creative community by showing off the best in art, sculpture, craft, design, fashion and creativity.
Mayor Michael Regan said the event aims to support the Northern Beaches’ unique cultural sector and grow the region’s cultural tourism.
“It’s a great opportunity to go behind the scenes, see the artists and businesses in situ, learn about their industry and witness first-hand their skills and the creation of their work.
“Think of it as an arts trail; you can dip in and out, as you go from one site to another. This way, the creative sector can connect with new audiences and it promotes greater awareness of the different forms of creative expression.”
The program will centre on creative micro-hubs throughout the Northern Beaches in areas such as Brookvale, Mona Vale, Manly and Avalon. The aim is to have venues and activities within walking distance of one another in each hub to enhance the overall visitor experience. The event has run over two weekends in August, Saturday 13 to Sunday 14 and Saturday 20 to Sunday 21.
There is a Rex Dupain exhibition at Michael Reid in Newport, open studios of Gina Fenton at Curl Curl and at Paper Couture at Q-Station cottage in Manly. There is a series of Makers Markets at Manly to showcase designers and industry events like a work shop on NFTs and the metaverse.
With more than 70 events, visitors from across the state will go behind the scenes to get a taste of the quiet creativity powering culture on the beaches.
