Visual artists and creative groups are being asked to share their ideas about adding some flair to vacant spaces in town centres around the Central Coast.
Central Coast Council is calling for expressions of interest from local creatives of any visual medium including arts and crafts, ceramics, sculpture, photography, printmaking, textile and fashion, filmmaking and other innovative visual art installations.
Council wants to see a showcase of visual art in vacant spaces in high traffic areas which could be on a pop-up temporary, casual or semi-permanent basis.
There’s been some work done already with commercial property owners and real estate agents to decorate vacant shop windows with creative decals which visually highlight the area’s key features and attractions.
Eagle eyed residents may have already spotted these displays at Woy Woy, The Entrance, Wyong, Gosford and Budgewoi.
Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the local creative and arts industry had been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and this initiative would provide much needed support.
“Council is actively developing a number of initiatives to support and sustain the Coast’s creative community and this one has the added benefit of activating town centres which also supports local businesses,” Vaughan said.
“Council is investigating opportunities to provide access to a variety of places and spaces in our town centres to support creative practitioners and would like to hear from individual artists, collectives or community groups wishing to use these places to create art, showcase their work or run community workshops.”
Mayor Lisa Matthews said this project is a chance for creatives to develop their practice and take up this opportunity to create, display and promote their work in the parameters that COVID-19 restrictions allow.
“This Council initiative will not only support our local artists and creative industry but will also provide a boost to the local economy by helping to create vibrant town centres brimming with cultural vitality to attract both residents and visitors,” Mayor Matthews said.
Media release, Jul 24
Central Coast Council