Central Coast Council is inviting the community to join in a festival of photography as part of the Exposure 2019 Central Coast Photographic Program.

The annual program aims to promote the art of photography and showcases still-based works in murals and public installations.

Held in June/July, the program offers a series of free workshops and public exhibitions. There is also an opportunity for amateur and emerging photographers to showcase their most outstanding works to the public.

Mayor Jane Smith said the program is designed to provide local artists with a platform to share their love of photography and art with the community.

“Art is crucial to community wellbeing as it brings people together through shared experiences and story telling that transcend difference and that is what this program is all about,” Mayor Smith said.  

“It is also a great opportunity for our budding local photographers to enhance their skills and learn from some of the best photographers on the Coast.   

“We want the Gosford CBD to be a vibrant cultural precinct and this program gives that a great kick-start.”

The program kicks off with a look behind the scenes of a professional fashion shoot at the Imperial Centre, Gosford on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 June from 11am to 2pm, to see a professional photographer, stylist, make-up artist and model put on a fashion shoot. All clothes and accessories have been kindly donated by retailers in the Gosford Town Centre. An exhibition of these photographs will also be displayed at the Imperial Centre from Monday 17 June to Sunday 30 June on the ground level.

There will also be an ‘Exposure 2019 outdoor exhibition’ in Kibble Park, Gosford, from Monday 17 June to Sunday 19 July, which showcases the works of ten amateur and emerging photographers who tell a story through their images to reveal the true art of photography.

The ‘photo-voices of the next generation’ exhibition will display the most treasured possessions of members from the Coast Shelter Youth Advisory Council. The young photographers used a camera to explore their sense of meaning and bring their stories to life. The temporary exhibition will be displayed on the outside walls of the Imperial Centre, Gosford, from Monday 24 June.

For three days, from Tuesday 25 until Thursday 27 June, a collection of images from creative students from three local high schools will be showcased in a digital light installation. The body of work uses allegoric portraiture body of work, to express the students sense of self, and will be on display from 5.30pm to 8pm at the Department of Finance Services and Innovations building, 32 Mann Street Gosford.

Limited edition reusable coffee cups, featuring a selection of photographs celebrating the landmarks and sights of Gosford, will be available in early July with your daily coffee from participating retailers in the Gosford CBD.

Free workshops include:

• Painting with light workshop - for teens and adults

• Sun prints - children aged 3 to 6 years

• Darkroom magic – children aged 6 to 12 years

Bookings are essential.

For more information or event details, download the Exposure 2019 Central Coast Photographic Program.