Creative Art Central
Creative Art Central is Council's annual community arts program that provides up to $40,000 in commissioned funds to support both established and emerging creative practitioners living on the Central Coast. The initiative encourages artists from a wide range of diverse disciplines to collaborate with our local communities to develop and produce a new commissioned work.
Each financial year we invite creative practitioners in the visual, performance and literary arts to produce new works in collaboration with community.
This program invests in the creative fabric of the region and nurtures the growth of local creative practitioners, while supporting stronger community engagement and participation.
How the program works
Creative Art Central is delivered in four key stages:
1. Registration
Open to all eligible creatives as outlined in the program criteria.
2. Seed funds
Awarded to the top 10 shortlisted applicants, selected using a scoring matrix to support concept development.
3. Invitation to pitch
Shortlisted applicants present their project ideas to a panel of industry experts (3 external and 1 internal).
4. Commissions awarded
Up to 5 commissions are awarded based on the strength and merit of the pitches delivered.
Program impact
Since 2021, 23 commissions have been awarded through Creative Art Central. This reflects Council’s ongoing investment in the region’s creative industries and highlights the depth of talent across the Central Coast.
Creative Art Central supports:
- New and contemporary works that reflect local stories
- Community-led and co-designed creative projects
- Inclusive practices, with support for First Nations creatives, culturally diverse artists and artists with disability
- Stronger community engagement through collaborative arts practice.
Stay informed
Discover what's next in the 2025-26 Creative Art Central program.
Expressions of interest are now open until 27 October. To learn how you can get involved