- - - - - - - ABOUT - -

The Central Coast Festival of Arts as it is today was born from a series of Art Exhibitions organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Toukley in the early 1970’s under the direction of well known local artist, personality and art patron, Joan Graham with invaluable assistance from her husband Russ.

The Rotary Club of Northlakes Toukley then became involved in 1975 with the first exhibition of the emerging “Wyong Shire Festival of Arts” taking place in February 1976.

The started aim of the very first committee of … "The fostering of this project as a district and community cultural achievement by making available for viewing the best of art in its many forms, to the art student or those simply interested as Art as a relaxation”… remains the cornerstone of the exhibition some 32 years later.

During the intervening years the Exhibition has grown and developed into one of the foremost regional Art Exhibitions in New South Wales. From original prize money of $650 the exhibition now offers prizes of over $20,000 in ten categories.

The name of the Festival has also undergone change to better represent the wider community of the Central Coast of New South Wales.

The Central Coast Festival of Arts has prospered. The Exhibition is open to the public over 9 days just prior to Easter each year. That the Festival has fulfilled a need has been proven by the wealth of congratulations on its growth and its high standards. Truly, The Central Coast Festival of Arts has fulfilled the aims of the initial committee in enriching the culture of the community.