Trawling tangent by tangent through internet links, twisting and turning from people to place, from documents on my lap to documents on my laptop, I found these interesting links that I thought you might like to look at.
First up is a slide show about creativity in Sydney, where creatives live, work and what it means for urban planning. Apart from a few dots in Manly, the closest they get is slide #33 in reference to Dee Why. Clearly Avalon, Newport or any of Pittwater, with it’s trendy cafes, is not the creative hub that we like to think it is, it’s not even on the map!
www.slideshare.net/creativesydney/creative-sydneys-three-minute-sydney-presentation-by-rod-simpson
And if the cafes were on the map, maybe they’d be encouraging this. A social network, that is of humans, in real places in real time, gathering to connect. It’s a nice idea. I wonder if we in friendly old Avalon, would actually get out of our “insular peninsular” mindset and get something like this happening? Maybe during the week so as not to increase the numbers of “tourist’s”.
Now if you still think anywhere in Pittwater is on the map, we need to find out when Louise is going to include one of our suburbs in her project 52 Suburbs. She says “I have lived in Sydney for over 30 years but have never set foot in most of its 600 plus suburbs. Now I’m on a mission to explore and photograph one new Sydney suburb a week for a year in search of the beauty in the ‘burb””. She’s not that different to most of us, I’m sure. If you would like to join her, then please follow this link:
Finally, if you are convinced that there is still hope for Pittwater as a creative hub, then visit this new and exciting venture by Create Space “A Sydney based organisation established to create more space for good stuff to happen in.” They are “Looking for everything from empty carparks for markets, shared studio spaces, bar and retail spaces in unique locations, fixer uppers, short term, long term in Sydney.” If you have a space or know of one let them know. Based in, you guessed it, Surry Hills, you can contact them on 02 9331 7620.
If you’ve been to Newcastle lately where the Renew Newcastle project has enabled creative people to use empty retail spaces as low cost outlets for hand-made goods, then you’ll know what they mean. There are others in Melbourne too. Here’s two more links if you’re still following my thread:
With all the empty retail spaces around in Avalon, and other areas of Pittwater, maybe something interesting could happen rather than simply wait for the next article in the local rags about record real estate prices. Maybe, just maybe, something creative could actually put Pittwater or any of it’s suburbs back on the map?
Pittwater isn’t even on the map but sader still, “Map” isn’t even in Pittwater. Farewell to a fabulous, creative concept, of vintage wear in the midst of Avalon. We will miss you
June 5, 2010 at 7:38 pm
I recently received a letter from Pittwater Council’s new Community Development Officer asking artists to provide details of projects they are working on at present. After providing links to Pittwater Spirit, this blog and my 1000 words for Summer project, this was the reply I received:
“It’s great to get a chance to hear about local projects. Since sending out my introductory letter I have heard from a number of Pittwater residents about proposals for the local area. I plan to allow a few weeks for people to subscribe to the proposed e-bulletin, and then to collect information residents have submitted. Once this data is collated I will share it with the Community, Library and Economic Development team for discussion.
In terms of representing the ideas that you have about community development in Pittwater, the best bet would be to write down your thoughts/proposals and email them to me to be incorporated into this discussion.”
In other words, you as the unpaid artist can do all the work to present your ideas and we can get to mull over it in our bureaucratic way and then get the glory for it? And in the case of Artfest, work as a volunteer!!! Make sense to you, because it doesn’t to me! Not only do many artists find it hard to express themselves in traditional forms (which is why many of them followed an artistic career in the first place), many would rather just get on with it, as is the case for several of the people mentioned in this blog. So, here was my reply:
“I look forward to reading your e-bulletin to see how much Pittwater Council gleens from the local artists and presents as if it’s it’s own. To be frank your suggestions, whilst helpful, give me no faith. Afterall, as I see it, with exception of one annual exhibtion for artists at the Avalon Rec Centre (note it’s name, Recreation Centre, not Gallery or even Cultural or Community Centre) and a biannual Artfest for kids, there really is little Pittwater Council provides for people of all ages and skill level to participate in the Arts. So I look forward to what Pittwater Council comes up with and/or supports.”
What some bureaucrats may not understand, is that, for many artists, musicians, performers and other creative people, writing a proposal can be as daunting as the Mayor or General Manager being asked to paint a portrait, do stand-up comedy or headline Angus and Julia’s next gig! What they really need is a community that understands, supports and allows them the freedom to do what they do best, create.
August 16, 2010 at 10:55 am
If you are interested in saving the Avalon Guide Hall at Dunbar Park and it’s possible re-vamp as a place for the youth of the area to use for a music and art entertainment venue then you’ve missed the meeting organised by Pittwater Council but you can read the minutes on their website and submit your ideas by using the submission form on the Council’s website. The Guide Hall’s future is being reviewed as part of the greater Plan of Management for the whole of Dunbar Park. Here are two links you can use:
Pittwater Council Website – Dunbar Park Plan of Management http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au
Save Avalon Guide Hall page on facebook, just use this link: http://www.hs.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Avalon-Guide-Hall/126352190721117
August 16, 2010 at 11:38 pm
I just received an email from Council’s Landscape Architect about the upcoming Public Meeting for the Dunbar Park Plan of Management. The purpose of this meeting is to listen to community ideas regarding the future of Dunbar Park. An explanation of the Plan of Management process and feedback from the Guide and Scout Hall Public Meeting will also form part of the agenda. Going by the vibe at the last meeting, this might be worth a visit if you have the time.
Date: Tuesday 14 September 2010
Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Venue: Avalon Recreation Centre
August 17, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Last week’s Dunbar Park Plan of Management meeting allowed a range of community members to express their passion for this park in the centre of Avalon. From playing croquet to just sitting in groups, there seems to be so many people who enjoy this “common” which may be saved as open space, if not for the people, but for the floodplain in which it sits. See Council’s website for updates about the Plan of Management http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/council/community_engagement/consultation_projects/dunbar_park_plan_of_management.
September 23, 2010 at 11:26 am
It’s going to be a big weekend at Dunbar Park. Pop down on FRIDAY 24th for the AVALON MONTHLY MARKET and on SATURDAY 25th for the BIENNIAL “ART IN THE PARK” which is a must see. Providing so many lifelong memories for the children of Pittwater, yours truly will be chalk drawing on the footpath outside the Recreation Centre. Come along and enjoy! They could make for some great Outdoor Photographers outings.
September 23, 2010 at 11:29 am
Hey, I went to see your sidewalk today. Then I realized I had a grammatical off-by-one error.
September 25, 2010 at 12:10 am
Next Dunbar Park Plan of Management meeting being held by Pittwater Council is on this Tuesday 12th October from 6.30-7.30pm at the Avalon Recreation Centre, if anyone is interested, just turn up.
October 10, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Very exciting news that may just put Pittwater on a map of it’s own!!!
The Pittwater Community Arts association is in the process of organising a Pittwater Art Trail. Covering the area from the Wakehurst Parkway/Narrabeen Bridge, north to Palm Beach, including Scotland Island and the Western Foreshores, the main effort surrounds production of a brochure of all the artists studios for use by tourists, visitors and locals. Modelled on similar initiatives here and overseas, there is a lot of positive energy amoungst the group which bodes well for a successful outcome.
A second meeting will be held this Wednesday 13th October at 7pm, with tea and bickies provided! Anyone is welcome to come along.
October 10, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Go Suzi !!!
November 3, 2010 at 9:32 am