Smart Arts comes to d'Albora Marina

The pop-up stall at d’Albora Marinas, with its waterfront views, will feature photographic works, glass designs, textiles and ceramics to name a few.

The exhibitors are all participants in the Smart Arts cultural development program that has nurtured their business skills to create viable enterprises.

Port Stephens Council community development and engagement coordinator Penny Amberg said that the pop-up was an exciting extension of the Smart Arts program.

"The Smart Arts program has been a great initiative in bringing together our creative community, creating networks and contributing to the economic diversity of Port Stephens,” she said.

"With any creative pursuit, visibility is important in generating interest – we felt a pop-up location during the school holidays was a great opportunity to showcase the wealth of artistic talent in the region and build the capacity of our localartists," she said.

Smart Arts is run as a partnership between Port Stephens Council, the Business Centre Newcastle and Octapod that was launched earlier this year.

The pop-up at d’Albora Marina could lead to more.

"We're excited about the opportunity to assist local artists in getting their work out into the community,” d’Albora events and sales manager Deborah Stretton said.

"With a vacant shop front over the school holidays, it was a perfect fit to have them exhibit during what will be a busy period.”

Ms Amberg said expects to see more projects like the Nelson Bay pop-up.

"We'll be continuing to explore new opportunities to promote our local artists collectively, with plans for more pop-up locations set for later this year," she said.

The pop-up stall opens Saturday, September 4, and will remain open throughout the school holidays for people to peruse and make purchases.