Council are one step closer to delivering major public art projects for the Northern Beaches Coast Walk with the Coast Walk Public Art Strategy going on exhibition today.

The plan is the culmination of extensive community engagement and collaboration by Council and heritage consultants with local arts, heritage and environmental community groups and clubs.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said public art will complement the spectacular outlook and environment along the 36 kilometre walkway due for completion in 2020.

“The Coast Walk is a unique, world-class walking experience for both the local community and visitors. We want the public art along the walk to reflect the heritage, the natural landscape and the cultural significance of the area.

“Community engagement has been an important platform in developing the draft Coast Walk Public Art Strategy, with the main objective being to understand what the community wants the Coast Walk to provide in the long term as an interactive experience.” Mayor Regan said.  

In the initial stages of the project, arts and heritage experts were involved in a scoping study of the coastline to identify themes, concepts, opportunities and key locations for creative outcomes.

Council will soon call for expressions of interest from artists with a view to commissioning artworks for this environmentally sensitive coastal area.

The draft Strategic Plan provides guidance for Council to deliver high quality public artworks at various sites along the walkway, stretching from Manly to Palm Beach.

Two million dollars over a four-year period has been allocated to the project from Council’s Merger Savings Fund.

To have your say on the plan visit northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au. It will also be available for viewing at all Council’s libraries, main offices and arts venues such as the Glen Street Theatre.