It’s on again. Visual artists and writers are being invited to take part in an exciting community arts project celebrating local creativity.

The 2020 Art & Words Project, a Northern Beaches Council Libraries initiative, aims to connect local writers and artists in a project that will see their combined work displayed at Northern Beaches Libraries and on a 24-hour digital display screen at Manly Art Gallery & Museum.

In the first stage, writers are invited to submit an original 3,000 word story, and artists to submit a portfolio of their work about a particular theme. This year’s theme is Portrait.

Following submissions, a panel will select 12 stories and pair them with 12 selected artists who will then create a piece of artwork inspired by the story.

The collection of writings and artworks will then be published in an anthology. Successful candidates will receive a creator’s fee and a complimentary copy of the anthology presented at the launch night at Manly Library, Thursday 17 September, 6PM.

Mayor Michael Regan said Council’s six libraries have almost 180,000 members, together representing a huge audience for any aspiring artist or writer.

“Entry is open to anyone, regardless of style and genre, so we would like to see a diverse range of creative people be a part of the project.”

Applications for the Art & Words Project 2020 are now open. To apply and for further information visit Council’s website.

Closing date for entries is Monday 16 March, 9AM, with selected entrants notified by Friday 27 March.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678