The combined creativity of 24 Northern Beaches writers and artists is the focus of a unique new collection of illustrated stories celebrating the theme ‘Saltwater’ to be launched at Manly Library (Market Place, Manly) on Thursday 12 September (6 – 7:30 pm).

The ‘Saltwater’ anthology is being hailed as a ‘magical’ community collaboration involving short-story writers and poets, artists, local Libraries and the Manly Art Gallery & Museum, all working under the guidance of the award-winning author Zena Shapter.

Zena believes the importance of such an anthology is found in the community’s ability to reflect on and exchange creative thoughts critically.

“Indeed, I conceived the idea as a gift for both my community and my fellow creators,” said Zena.

In the lead up to this year’s Manly Art Festival, local writers and poets were invited to write original literary responses to the theme ‘Saltwater’ with a specially selected group of 12 artists creating extraordinary visual responses.

“These beautiful anthology writings - and the artworks inspired by them - offer insightful and passionate interpretations of the ‘Saltwater’ theme and are a remarkable celebration of the unique qualities of the Northern Beaches,” said Mayor Michael Regan.

Individual artworks from the anthology will also be shown across the Northern Beaches Library network as a memorable highlight of this year’s Manly Art Festival (6 - 29 September).

Copies of the anthology will be available for purchase at the Libraries ($20).

The paintings, photographs and mixed media artworks will be for sale and displayed on a 24-hour digital screen at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum (on West Esplanade Reserve).

Admission to the exhibitions is free. The launch night is free, too, though bookings are essential. Check the Northern Beaches Library website for details.