Northern Beaches Council is inviting artists and performers to take part in the 24th annual Manly Arts Festival, which will be held on Friday 8 to Sunday 24 September with Northern Beaches Council hoping to feature more than 50 cultural events.

Since it began in 1994, the Manly Arts Festival has grown into a leading community-based arts festival that attracts over 15,000 visitors annually to scores of attractions including indoor and outdoor exhibitions, ‘open studios’, concerts, talks, and dance, films and creative workshops.

Northern Beaches Council’s General Manager, Mark Ferguson, said Council is inviting artists, musicians, performers, arts organisations and the wider community to participate in the 2017 Manly Arts Festival by holding their own events and celebrating the Sydney’s Northern Beaches’ creative spirit.

“Participating artists’ events will be featured in a full colour festival program made available free to the public and on the Festival website which goes live in mid-August,” Mr. Ferguson said.

A highlight of the 2017 Festival will be Manly Art Gallery & Museum’s exhibition ‘The Phantom Show’ a touring exhibition celebrating the 1930s comic hero, featuring artworks by Peter Kingston, Dieter Lederwasch, Euan Macleod and Dick Frizzell.

“Northern Beaches Council is committed to supporting cultural programs and to the creation of opportunities for genuine participation in the creative arts,” said Mr. Ferguson.

Former NSW Governor, Professor Dame Marie Bashir AD, CVO, is launching the Manly Arts Festival this year.

Artists and performers intending to hold an event, or who wish to host an open studio event, as part of the 2017 Manly Arts Festival need to complete an application form no later than 22 May.

For details call the Festival Info Line at Manly Art Gallery & Museum 9976 1421.