MAKE/SPACE: A Bold New Platform for Local Creatives Across the Mid North Coast
13 August 2025
Arts Mid North Coast has launched MAKE/SPACE, a new creative initiative designed to bring art to life in unexpected places across the region.
In partnership with Gowings Bros Ltd, the project transforms empty shopfronts into short-term creative spaces, opening doors for artists, makers, and creative groups in Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, and Port Macquarie.
“MAKE/SPACE is about visibility, experimentation, and creative exchange. It offers regional artists the chance to work in public-facing spaces, engage with new audiences, and activate underutilised venues in fresh and inspiring ways,” says Olivia Parker, Executive Director of Arts Mid North Coast.
MAKE/SPACE supports regional creatives through two distinct opportunities:
- MAKE/SPACE: Two-week shopfront activations for artists to create, exhibit, or host workshops in public-facing spaces.
- COMPACT: Small Works Exhibitions taking place in Coffs Harbour (21–26 August) and Port Macquarie (28 August–2 September), each accompanied by a launch event and $500 exhibition prize.
“Partnerships with organisations like Arts Mid North Coast benefit not only the local community but also our customers who have the opportunity to engage with local art and culture when they’re shopping,” says Carissa Dwyer, Marketing Manager for Port Central and Kempsey Central.
“We’d like to invite everyone to join us for the launch of our new MAKE/SPACE initiative with the COMPACT exhibitions’ opening nights at Coffs Harbour on the 21st August and in Port Macquarie on the 28th August. What’s exciting is that all of these works are created by local artists and all pieces are for sale,” says Ms Parker.
Image: Leah Doeland and COMPACT submission ‘Sufficient’
DETAILS:
COMPACT Coffs Harbour launch event is Thursday 21 August (5pm- 7pm), with the exhibition running 21 to 26 August.
COMPACT Port Macquarie launch event is Thursday 28 August (5pm- 7pm), with the exhibition running 28 August to 2 September.
MAKE/SPACE INFO: