Skye Petho sees the arts and cultural celebration's benefits as far-reaching across the community.

"I think it's an amazing event that allows the general public to have access to artists they may not have seen before," she said.

"It gives artists an opportunity to showcase what they are doing and gives them an opportunity to try new things and put themselves out there."

Businesses and the economy reap rewards too.

"There is a positive economic impact for the business community, and the town which is fantastic," Ms Petho said.

She said tourists came here specifically to see ArtWalk.

"It has developed into such a well-known event, it is bringing revenue to town as well, and that flow-on effect for us as a community is really important," Ms Petho said.

The main event in 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, will be a showcase aimed to create the longest footpath art gallery in the Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton town centres from October 1 to 8.

Artists, creatives, schools and community groups are encouraged to partner with businesses to exhibit artworks or artistic installations in store windows.

Registrations are now open on the ArtWalk website to take part.

The celebration will also feature artist markets, satellite events, a Glasshouse window banner gallery and volunteer opportunities.

ArtWalk 2020 is seeking 30 original artworks to hang as banners in the Clarence Street windows of the Glasshouse, as well as registrations of interest to take part in the artist markets.

Submissions are also open for satellite events, from people interested in becoming volunteers or businesses and organisations keen to become partner sponsors.

Ms Petho believes Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's approach to ArtWalk 2020 will continue to provide the benefits from the event, with the new structure to deliver the cultural celebration in a safe way, given the COVID-19 pandemic.

ArtWalk 2020 has an event theme of constellations: exploring the concepts of celestial spheres, objects and phenomena and their influence on those bound to earth.

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