Northern Beaches Council is inviting local designers, makers and musicians and creative businesses to be a part of the Creative Open, a new event which showcases the creative sector and grassroots talent on the Northern Beaches.

The event will be held across two weekends in August and is designed to promote the diverse work of our local creative eco-system, by providing opportunities for audiences to drop in and see first-hand creative businesses and individuals at work.

Creative Open encourages all local art and culture businesses to apply to be a part of the program, including artist studios, galleries, recording/music studios, film/editing suites and workshops such as screen printers or digital labs.

It is also open to other creative businesses such as designers, bookshops, surfboard shapers and even food/cafes/venues where relevant.

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 visitor experience.

To participate, applicants will be required to meet Creative Open criteria, including primary creative function, safety and accessibility. Creative Open will encourage applicants to provide programming and or entertainment at their place of business/practice.

For individuals that do not work from a space suitable for public access, alternative pop-up spaces can be sought, for example, through Council’s facilities.

To address the geographic spread, the program will be presented as follows:

First weekend: South, 14 and 15 August

Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah, Seaforth, Manly Vale, Queenscliff, Nth Manly, Freshwater, Curl Curl, Brookvale, Dee Why, Allambie Heights, Killarney Heights, Forestville, Frenchs Forest, Beacon Hill, Narraweena, Cromer, Collaroy, Oxford Falls, Belrose, Davidson, Narrabeen South 

Second Weekend: North, 21 and 22 August

Nth Narrabeen, Warriewood, Elanora Heights, Ingleside, Terrey Hills, Duffy’s Forest, Mona Vale, Bayview, Church Point, Newport, Bilgola, Clareville, Avalon, Whale Beach, Scotland Island/ Pittwater, Palm Beach

Find out more at an information session on Thursday 3 June 6pm at Manly Art Gallery & Museum.

The Creative Open will run concurrently with the Northern Beaches Environmental Art and Design Prize exhibition which will be held from 6 to 22 August across Manly Art Gallery & Museum, Mona Vale Creative Pop-Up Gallery and Creative Space, North Curl Curl.

The Prize is a separate event but Council will be encouraging audiences visiting the Prize to explore the other offerings and open studio doors as part of the Creative Open.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 8495 6943