Professional artists and producers across all art forms and cultural practices are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Central Coast Council’s Creative Art Central annual program.

Creative Art Central will deliver up to $15,000 per project for five successful local professional artists/producers to deliver Central Coast based projects, with up to two of these five spaces, for returning recipients to fund subsequent stages of larger projects.

Council’s Community Partnerships Unit Manager, Glenn Cannard said the program plays a key role in building our local creative industries’ footprint and has wide flow-on benefits.

“Creative Art Central allows us to commission professional artists to deliver a variety of new quality projects to help promote, celebrate and activate the Central Coast,” Mr Cannard said.

“By providing opportunities to commission new works and investing in the local creative economy, we not only assist with nurturing the growth of local artists but also in promoting stronger partnerships within the creative industries on the coast.”

Successful applicants will also have an opportunity to work closely with allocated project partners within key established arts organisations and venues including Central Coast Conservatorium, Gosford Regional Gallery, Laycock Street Community Theatre, NAIDSA, The Art House and specialist staff within Council’s Community Partnerships Unit.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council strongly encouraged diversity amongst applicants from all art backgrounds.

“Professional community members from all culture practices and diverse backgrounds, across all art forms or production are encouraged to submit an EOI,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Since its inception in 2011, Creative Art Central has produced a range of new creative initiatives across diverse art forms.

“We’re proud to be able to provide an opportunity to assist creatives who are passionate in their craft.”

2020-21 Creative Art Central EOI process:

1. Applicants discuss proposed project and register expression of interest with Liesl Harvey, Cultural Development Worker: 15 June - 10 July 2020
2. Applicants finalise and submit their Proposal: 13-19 July 2020.

In 2019, Council commissioned three Creative Art Central project proposals including:

• Dean Russell: screenplay for a new film and workshops for local filmmakers
• Emily Flannery: development of a new performance work incorporating First Nations’ stories about birds and creation of the land
• Sharon Aldrick: multidisciplinary arts project involving photography, film, storytelling and mentoring.

For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/creativeartcentral2020