Northern Beaches Council is pleased to announce Manly Art Gallery & Museum’s (MAG&M) latest exhibition, Welcome To Wherever You Are, is opening 6 June 2025.

Guest curated by respected artist Simone Douglas and curator William Stover, Welcome To Wherever You Are reflects the complex environments created and shared, both real and imagined.

Northern Beaches born artist Simone Douglas is a Professor at the prestigious Parsons School of Design, The New School, New York. William Stover is an independent curator and co-founder of Re-Sited, New York, a non-profit arts organisation dedicated to research-focused exhibitions that examine site and space.

Welcome To Wherever You Are showcases 21 established and emerging artists and designers working across a variety of mediums from photography, performance and video to painting, sculpture and installation, along with the art world’s latest medium, AI.

Central to the exhibition is community and the exchange of ideas. In this exhibition the artists and designers from across the globe are interrelated through the educational environment of the Parsons School of Design, The New School University, New York City. The installation of the exhibition highlights the artists interconnectedness that commenced within the educational environment and continues beyond.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said here on the Northern Beaches we are committed to fostering creativity and innovation.

"We are dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation, providing platforms for artists to thrive, and enabling them to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

“This exhibition demonstrates MAG&M’s commitment to supporting the incredible work being done globally by members of our creative community.

“I hope that you enjoy this fascinating exhibition and the stories it brings to life. Don’t miss out on the accompanying engaging events," said Mayor Heins.

On 8 June, visitors can meet with Simone Douglas and William Stover at Curators in Conversation as they discuss in detail the ideas and artworks in the exhibition.

Also on 8 June, join a sound walk around Manly Cove with featured artists, Edmund Mooney and Glynis Rigsby. Listen to a brief history of the practice and engage in a listening meditation, followed by an hour-long silent exploration of the immediate surroundings of the Gallery. Walking silently turns us into more effective listening devices! The walk will culminate back at the gallery in an artist-led group discussion with participants about the experience.

The artists participating in Welcome To Wherever You Are are Rhea Alexander, Chris Bucklow, Fernando do Campo, Megan Cope, Simone Douglas, Guy Grabowsky, Yvette Hamilton, Lisa McCleary, Edmund Mooney and Glynis Rigsby, MarieVic, Sara Morawetz, Arthur Ou, Don Porcaro, Jim Ramer, Rosanna Raymond, Ryota Sato, Tariku Shiferaw, Justin Sterling, Shan Turner-Carroll and Leslie Wayne.

This exhibition is part of MAG&M’s CEAD – Collective for Environmental Art & Design initiative.

PROGRAM
Welcome To Wherever You Are
6 June – 27 July 2025
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Free entry

Exhibition opening 
Saturday 7 June, 4–6pm
To be opened by guest curators Simone Douglas and William Stover
RSVP link

MAG&M members and volunteers’ preview
Thursday 6 June, 10–11am
RSVP link

Manly Cove Walk
Sunday 8 June, 12.30–1.30pm
RSVP link

Curators in conversation
Sunday 8 June, 2–3pm
RSVP link

This exhibition is supported by Q Station Manly and International Art Services.

For more information visit our website