A selection of works from outstanding local ‘Makers and Creators’ will be featured across April as part of the inaugural creative activation 'Blank Canvas Central Coast'.

Community members and visitors can experience and purchase works created by a group of world-class local artisans at pop-up retail spaces in Ettalong and Long Jetty.

Central Coast Council Director Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley said ‘Blank Canvas’ is an exciting opportunity for local creators to take over a prime retail location.

“This fantastic initiative is about providing a platform for local talent to showcase their bespoke work and reach new customers,” Ms Cowley said.

“We have an impressive and growing creative community on the Coast but many of our makers and creators don’t have their own shop front – ‘Blank Canvas’ provides that opportunity."

This project is fully funded through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery grants program, an Australian Government bushfire recovery initiative.

Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said featuring the work of talented locals would enhance the vibrancy of two major Central Coast town centres.

“The ‘Blank Canvas’ pop-up shops are yet another reason for locals and visitors to head to Long Jetty and Ettalong,” Mr Persson said.

“This initiative is a win-win for the Coast – not only are we creating employment pathways for local creators but we’re also helping to stimulate the local economy by driving visitation to two of our major business hubs.”

A diverse selection of makers and creators will be featured across the month including indigenous artists Garry Purchase and Kylie Cassidy, surfwear designer Bird + Hill, Central Coast Drones, and fashion designer Carlie Ballard.

The ‘Blank Canvas’ pop-up shops will be open from Thursday 1 April to Friday 30 April 2021 and are located at Long Jetty (Shop 11, 314-316 The Entrance Road) and Ettalong (199A Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach, behind Lords of Pour).

Find more information at lovecentralcoast.com/blankcanvas