Five local artists from diverse creative disciplines have been awarded commissions through Central Coast Council’s Creative Art Central program.

The 2024-25 round of commissions offer collaborative opportunities for the community to contribute to artworks that reflect the Central Coast’s diverse stories - including those of First Nations people, people living with a disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse residents.

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the Creative Art Central program continues to be a powerful platform for local artists and community.

“To improve cultural inclusion and accessibility, the 2024-25 program introduced a dedicated First Nations Category. This, as with many commissions, will be co-created by the artist in collaboration with a diverse range of community, ensuring the works are deeply rooted in our local voices and shared experiences,” Ms Smith said.

“These commissions not only celebrate who we are, they invite us all to be co-creators in exploring our shared cultural identity.

“Thank you to everyone who registered and pitched their proposals for Creative Art Central 2024-25 round and congratulation to the successful recipients. The calibre of proposals highlights the talent and diversity in arts and culture across the Central Coast region.”

This round of recipients will embark on the development and delivery of multidisciplinary projects across the visual, performance and installation art resulting in community-centric and co-designed new works for public viewing by June 2027.

Creative Art Central 2024-25 commission recipients:
•    Astrid Serpentine – Blood the Musical       
•    The Bouddi Society – Mentorship for Young Emerging Artists
•    Jaymie Maley – The Angophora Project    
•    Michael Scarrott – Illuminating our Stories (First Nations Category)   
•    Victoria Lobregat – Bayanihan

Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the program highlights the transformative role of art in uniting and uplifting communities.

“Creative Art Central is designed to encourage local creative practitioners to produce new work in collaboration with the community, and supports and celebrates our region’s vibrant creative community,” Mayor McKinna said.

“We’re committed to strengthening the region’s creative economy and positioning the Coast as a cultural destination.

“By providing opportunities to commission new works and investing in the Coast’s  creative landscape, we not only assist with nurturing the growth of  creative practitioners but also in promoting stronger community engagement and participation.”

The 2026-27 Creative Art Central round will open October 2026.

To learn more about the 2024-25 recipients and this program search ‘Creative Art Central’ at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au  

ENDS

Photo caption: Central Coast Council’s Creative Art Central program 2024-25 recipients. Clockwise from top: Jaymie Maley, Michael Scarrott, David Eddie as Bouddi Society representative, Astrid Serpentine, and Victoria Lobregat