Central Coast Council has announced the successful recipients of the 2026 Creative Art Central program. 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 program supports creative based projects that reflect the unique identity, stories and experiences of the region and provides opportunities for emerging professional artists across a range of disciplines to develop and deliver new works in collaboration with local communities.
This year’s recipients include four projects spanning public art, sensory experiences, community workshops and multidisciplinary creative development.
Central Coast Acting Mayor, John Mouland said the Creative Art Central program reinforces Council’s commitment to supporting our region’s thriving arts and culture sector.
“Creative Art Central gives local artists the opportunity to create meaningful projects that celebrate local stories, culture and connection,” Acting Mayor Mouland said.
“I would like to congratulate all successful recipients of the 2026 Creative Art Central program, and I look forward to seeing these projects come to life across our community.”
Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the program helps strengthen the region’s creative sector while delivering positive social outcomes.
“Creative Art Central supports artists to test ideas, collaborate with community and develop projects that respond to local places and people,” Ms Smith said.
“The successful recipients represent a diverse range of creative practices, and their projects will allow people to engage with arts and culture in accessible and inspiring ways.”
“I encourage everyone to experience the projects delivered by our talented local creatives.”
The 2026 Creative Art Central recipients are:
1. FunHaus Factory
Category: Established
Project: VOICES – Unbound: New Works in Community
A multidisciplinary development program supporting five new original works by Central Coast artists across digital media, music, dance and performance. The project will nurture a diverse cohort of creatives and culminate in a public presentation celebrating local voices, stories and perspectives.
2. Courtney Garstang
Category: First Nations and Emerging
Project: Ngurra – Our Home, On Country
A co-produced mural project developed with the Mountain Community Centre in Mangrove Mountain. Through community workshops, participants will contribute ideas and stories that inform a site-specific artwork celebrating Country, culture and identity.
3. Haline Ly
Category: Established
Project: Birds of a Feather
A collaborative public art program engaging primary school students in the co-creation of new artworks through workshops and creative consultation. The resulting installations will be displayed in neighbourhoods across the Central Coast.
4. Samantha Fin
Category: Established
Project: Somaesthetic Spaces: The Art of Attunement
A series of immersive sensory installations, workshops and exhibitions exploring connection, wellbeing and belonging through art and place. Activities will be delivered through the Toukley Art Container and Theia Studios, Woy Woy, between September 2026 and January 2027.
Since 2021, Creative Art Central has commissioned 25 new works with each fostering community participation and cultural expression, while celebrating the diverse fabric of the Central Coast region.
To learn more about the program or recipients, search ‘Creative Art Central‘ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au