The area's signature cultural arts event has been postponed as concerns grow over rising COVID-19 cases in the state and restrictions remain firm.
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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's primary focus at the moment is the safety and wellbeing of its partners, staff, artists and the community.
The council hopes to stage the event before the new year in the same format which had been planned for the October long weekend, if restrictions allow.
Port Macquarie contemporary artist Yvonne Kiely said she was disappointed by the event's postponement.
Ms Kiely said a new date for ArtWalk wouldn't represent the timing they had hoped for but ArtWalk needed to go ahead safely.
"ArtWalk is huge for me and it is such a gift as a local artist," she said.
Ms Kiely has created an interactive ocean crown in preparation for the occasion.
The sculptural piece made from cloth, wire and driftwood will be featured as part of a rescheduled ArtWalk.
The council will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation with plans to relaunch Artwalk when possible.
Council's group manager of economic and cultural development Liesa Davies said her team and our local arts community were committed to deliver a great Artwalk in 2021 to enliven our CBD, support our local artists and businesses, and to support a safe economic recovery.
"A 2021 event will mark ArtWalk's sixth year as a signature cultural arts event in the Port Macquarie Hastings region," she said.
"The event inspires our community to connect with local artists, musicians and local cultural organisations, CBD businesses and venues.
"After another tough year for our community, we're committed to supporting the safe return of events in our region as they bring our people together, encourage economic activity and act as a major drawcard for both locals and visitors."
Belle Property Port Macquarie principal Sue Jogever hopes ArtWalk 2021 will still be possible, and in the meantime, she says it remains important to support that creative edge in our community.
Mrs Jogever said even though ArtWalk had been postponed, Belle Property Port Macquarie would continue to support artists in the region by showcasing their work through its monthly newsletter and social media platforms.
Hastings Valley Fine Art Society president Bernice Daher said ArtWalk's postponement was understandable given the COVID-19 situation.
Both the group and individual members take part in the annual cultural arts celebration.
"It's a good way to engage with people that may not normally engage with us as an association," she said.
ArtWalk has grown to become the signature cultural arts event in the Port Macquarie-Hastings.
The event offers exhibitions, activations, illuminations, live performances, artists' markets, workshops and creative installations at sites throughout the CBD and satellite events across the region.
"We're looking forward to relaunching this much-loved event and encourage you to stay up to date with further announcements, especially the new date," Ms Davies said.
The new date will be announced in the coming weeks.
ArtWalk is proudly presented by Port Macquarie Hastings Council and supported by Destination NSW.
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