Four professional and two emerging local creatives have been selected to deliver innovative art works as part of Central Coast Council’s ‘Creative Art Central’ program.

Creative Art Central 2021 attracted 94 registrations from local artists who each had the opportunity to pitch their idea. The successful recipients were selected by an industry panel assessment, who recommended the commission of six contemporary and creative projects that will engage, collaborate and/or involve the broader community. 

Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard, said Creative Art Central sought to foster innovative and contemporary work across all art-forms.

“Thank you to everyone who registered, the calibre of proposals pitched shows just how much talent and diversity we have on the Coast,” Mr Cannard said.

“A diverse mix of artists from a cross section of the industry have been selected this year to deliver contemporary works to help define our region as a cultural destination.

“Our six successful artists will now share their talents with the wider community.”

Congratulations to:

• Andi Mether (professional), interactive installation
• Ms Kaye Harrison (professional), documentary filmmaker
• Sarah Beard and Toni Houston (professional), documentary filmmakers
• Aaron Trew (professional), music composer
• Brigitta Oldereid (emerging), contemporary dance choreographer
• Amelia Foxton (emerging), filmmaker

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said this fantastic annual commissioning program sees professional and emerging artists deliver a variety of new quality projects to help promote, celebrate and activate our region.

“Fostering artistic endeavours builds the footprint of creative industries on the Coast and delivers significant flow-on benefits for our social and economic fabric,” Mr Hart said. 

“Creative Art Central invests in the local creative economy to not only nurture the growth of local artists but also strengthen creative industries on the Coast.”

Creative Art Central’ provides an important boost to creative industries on the Central Coast. Since its inception in 2011, the annual program has produced a range of new creative initiatives that have shaped our local culture.

Council would like to congratulate the 2021 recipients and thank all the artists who participated in this important initiative.

Two of the artists, Brigitta and Aaron, have already announced the first round of community-based workshops.

Find out more about the six successful commissioned programs and how you can get involved by visiting: centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/creativeartcentral 

ENDS