All roads will lead to the Peninsula between now and November 11, as a vibrant photo exhibition brings the shopfronts of 24 businesses alive.
The businesses are sporting photos from the 2019 Coastal Twist Multi Arts and Culture Festival.
Shopfronts across the Peninsula will feature large photographs of the festival by award-winning photographer, Lisa Haymes.
A Coastie for the past 17 years, Haymes has been photographing food, fashion and events in the area as well as working with NAISDA, Central Coast Council and Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council.
“Coastal Twist was such a notable fun and important festival, capturing the energy, talent and joy experienced by many over the three day extravaganza,” Haymes said.
“Supporting the arts and creating a visual platform such as the Coastal Twist Shopfront exhibition is a benefit for all involved and creates inspiration and acceptance for the local community on the Peninsula.”
Festival creative director Glitta Supernova said this year’s October event had been cancelled due to COVID-19.
“The pilot festival in 2019 was a resounding success due to the amazing support achieved from community, valued partners and local business across the Peninsula,” she said.
“The community support, along with the energy and commitment of our volunteers, helped to establish Coastal Twist as a major arts and culture diversity festival in record time and our rainbow window display competition was one of the highlights of the festival, bringing much joy and colour to our streets.
“To keep the ball rolling within the COVID confines we reimagined what we could do to keep visibility, inclusion and momentum going.
“As a registered arts and culture charity there is nothing we love more than creating activations and entertainment that bring social, cultural and economic benefit to our region.
“We are hoping that sharing these images not only injects some vibrancy and curiosity to shop windows but humanises difference and opens dialogue and hearts, enforcing diversity as the natural norm of every living creature.”
One of the businesses to jump on board was 19 The Boulevard café at Woy Woy.
Owner Mata Taulilo said she thought it was a “fantastic” initiative.
“People have been looking at the photograph and asking about it,” she said.
“I love the Coastal Twist community and I think they have brought a wonderful thing to the Coast, including diversity and fun.
“The Coast needs more of this type of thing happening.”
Download the Exhibition walking trail maps at https://naughtynoodle.com.au/whats-on
Source:
Media release, Oct 19
Coastal Twist