Creative-Open-2022.png

Creative Open 

Art, design & music

27 - 30 July 2023.

Creative Open is an annual winter arts festival celebrating Northern Beaches’ art, design, and music. 

The program features exhibitions, performances and events, open studios, walks, talks, and public art. This diverse offering gives audiences an opportunity to explore the unique creative and cultural spaces and businesses across the Northern Beaches.

The 2022 program featured over 9,000 visitors across 80 venues, demonstrating the powerhouse of creative energy across the Northern Beaches. If you're a creative venue, practitioner or business that delivers unique and exciting programming, we want you to be part of Creative Open 2023.

Who can apply?

Any business, venue, or practitioner can apply to be a part of Creative Open if they provide creative programming that aligns with our event dates. Your event must occur on the Northern Beaches between Thu 27 – Sun 30 July; however, events can start earlier and/or finish later. Eligible participants include, but are not limited to:

  • live performance venues
  • galleries, creative spaces
  • designers, makers, surfboard shapers
  • recording and music studios, film and editing suites
  • creative workshops e.g. screen printers, digital labs
  • creative businesses such as bookshops, bars, and cafes

Have an idea or work you want to share but no space? Council is also accepting applications from local designers, workshop facilitators, and artists for a pop-up market event and creative workshops at selected Council venues.

What we need from you

Pitch your event and tell us about your space, lock the event dates in your calendar, and help us promote Northern Beaches' best to the rest of Sydney.

What support will you receive?

We provide marketing and promotion support to participating artists, venues, and businesses. As a participant, you will receive marketing materials, print and digital, to help promote your unique event. We will provide an event calendar for all activities, performances, and happenings on our website. The full program will be released in July.

How to apply

Applications are open from 17 March and close on 21 April 2023.

Find out more 

To celebrate the call out for Creative Open 2023, please join us for Happy Hour @ Manly Art Gallery & Museum, on Friday 17 March, 5 pm – 8 pm. RSVP here.

Key dates

  • Applications open and close Friday 17 March to Friday 21 April
  • Applicants notified of outcome Friday 17 March to Friday 28 April
  • Program and marketing content deadline Friday 5 May
  • Creative Open program launch Saturday 1 July
  • Event Delivery 27 – 30 July

Subscribe to Creative News to stay up-to-date with the latest arts and culture news on the Northern Beaches.

Contact information

Arts & Culture