Pull back the curtain on our thriving local arts scene and step inside Creative Open 2023.
From live tattoo demonstrations and DJ sets to weaving workshops, there’s something for everyone at this year’s winter art festival.
Creative businesses, studios and venues across the Northern Beaches will throw open their doors to host more than 50 fun and creative events from 27 – 30 July.
Choose your own adventure and enjoy four fabulous days of culture and creativity.
Watch live tattooing by Whistler St Tattoo and listen to beats by DJ La Foxy Fuzz at a special Tacos, Tunes & Tattoos happy hour event at Manly Art Gallery and Museum (MAG&M), from 5 – 8pm on Friday 28 July. While you’re there, you can grab a glass of wine and explore current exhibitions Ink in the Lines and Blak Douglas: Inverted Commoners.
Enjoy live music at local breweries, pubs and clubs across the Northern Beaches, including indie-rockers Blind Eliza, roots musician Declan Kelly, jazz and experimental acts Peta Morris and Cone of Confusion, plus singer-songwriter and DJ sessions.
Experience First Nations art and creativity with a weaving workshop by Creative Open ambassador and proud Barkindtji and Yorta Yorta woman Tegan Murdock at her new Narrabeen studio Ngumpie Weaving on Saturday 29 July.
You can also learn how to cook with native bush tucker plants at an interactive cooking lesson with Bush to Bowl in Terrey Hills on Sunday 30 July.
Pick up handmade ceramics, jewellery, wall hangings, literature, homewares, handcrafts, paintings and prints at a Makers Takeover at Manly Library on Saturday 29 July.
Other events include a kids art workshop, drawing and painting lessons, ceramic workshops, eco-dyeing workshops, perfume making, printmaking lessons, virtual reality experiences, basket weaving, writing and literary events, theatre, and a fun and arty scavenger hunt.