Welcome to the 2008 Manly Arts Festival, celebrating our creative diversity and our passion for art in all its forms.
... Welcome from Mayor Dr Peter Macdonald

There’s a feast of dance on this weekend in Manly, and it’s all free! On both Saturday and Sunday, around lunchtime, you’ll be able to watch some of our best local dancers in the Corso. We talk to JS Dance Company and Pulse8 about what they've got in store for us. ...read more

Gaye Fleming, Arts Co-ordinator of Sunnyfield Independence, stands in the doorway wearing lime green jeans, funky black and white glasses and a big smile. She beckons: “Come in and meet everyone!” Sunnyfield is a day options centre in Frenchs Forest for adults with intellectual disabilities. Two months ago they moved here from an inadequate centre at Bantry Bay Road in Cromer, and then Gaye arrived. ...read more

The Manly Art Gallery and Museum is hosting a huge ‘survey’ of the work of multi-talented Australian artist Bruce Goold – this unusual exhibition is an absolute must-see and the opening event on the Festival Calendar. We take you behind the scenes as the collection is put together. ...read more

The Sydney Vocal Arts Centre has been a well-loved part of the Manly Arts Festival for eight years now, providing inspiring and entertaining musical events that just seem to get better every year. Margi Coen has been the director and owner of the Centre for over five years now and is ever more passionate about singing which, she says, “opens the heart, frees the mind and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!” ...read more

Music buffs can discover how the inaugural Sydney Chamber Music Festival has come into being. Check out our interview with Festival Artistic Director Bridget Bolliger. This Newport girl has spent 16 years playing flute and winning awards in some of the great music capitals of the world; now she’s come home to the Northern beaches – and she’s on a mission.  ...read more

Many grateful mothers both on the Peninsula and all over Australia will know the name of Angela van Boxtel, our very own Pippi Longstocking, who is accomplishing feats of astonishing strength and stamina as she champions mums who choose to both stay home with their kids and have a creative career. ...read more