Pearl Beach artist in summer project

Pearl Beach artist Mr Peter Baka is in the process of creating a video art piece entitled Mr Fix-It as part of Gosford Council's Summer in the City: Textures of Place exhibition.

The aim of the exhibition is to create a stronger community identity through local participation.

Mr Baka will join three other local artists in creating interactive artworks that visitors can participate in or witness throughout the 13-day exhibition.

According to Central Coast Artist and Business Directory co-artistic director Ms Kiera O'Toole, the video art piece will travel from town to town striving for cultural transformation.

She said community members will play an integral role, with artists interacting with the public, during the creation of all artworks.

"This project allows the community to reflect on their own thoughts on what 'place' means to them in relation to Gosford, encouraging the love of locality, as well as developing a healthy questioning on their sense of Gosford," Ms O'Toole said.

Other artists involved in the program include Mr Neil Berecry-Brown of Somersby, Ms Josephine Laina of Bateau Bay and Ms Sharyn Walker of Bensville.

Council's cultural development coordinator Mr Elio Gatti said the program was sure to create energy and reflect local culture from the Gosford region.

"I am certain that the artists-in-residence component of the Summer in the City program will prove to be rewarding for both the participating artists and the wider community," Mr Gatti said.

The exhibition will be held at level one of the Gosford Town Centre shops until January 27.

Other activities being held as part of the Summer in the City program include musicians, light shows, buskers, jazz concerts, dancing, boutique markets and Chinese New Year celebrations.

Mr Gatti said Kibble Park will come alive with several free cultural events until January 25.

"Gosford's Kibble Park will host a stunning procession of activities, including four enchanted evenings based around a different theme - youth carnivale, jazz, the arts and a gala celebration," Mr Gatti said.

"An international folkloric welcome by Fijian, Filipino, African and Colonial Bush Dancers will kick-off the fourth enchanted evening on Sunday, January 25, from 6pm.

Press releases, 5 and 8 Jan 2009 Gosford Council