Barrenjoey Alliance for Arts and Culture (BAAC)

The Barrenjoey Alliance for Arts and Culture (BAAC) was formed as a Project of APA in 2017 to initially manage the Avalon Beach Cultural Map. The Map was used to influence Pittwater Council and later the Northern Beaches Council in investing in arts and cultural programs in the area north of Mona Vale. One of the results of that was the establishment of the Avalon Creative Space at the Avalon Golf Club in 2018.

Since that time BAAC project members have maintained excellent relations with Councillors and Council staff and BAAC has provided advice and comment on a variety of matters. BAAC is committed to building collaboration and partnerships and in 2024 liaised with the Palm Beach Whale Beach Association, with the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber and with the Manly Warringah Pittwater Historical Society.

In 2024 BAAC provided written submissions to Council in relation to urban design and landscaping for the Avalon Beach shared space, submissions to Council in relation to post-modern heritage properties, and was a successful applicant in partnership with the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber for an NBC grant in support of planning for a Festival celebrating the Arts and the Environment in Avalon for 3 days in Spring 2025.

In June 2024 BAAC met with a heritage consultant to seek advice in relation to listing and protecting the Avalon Cinema as a social as well as a cultural asset for our community. This information was used in BAAC’s submission to Council’s consultants for the post-modern heritage study. Most recently BAAC provided advice to Councillors in relation to the Movable Heritage Policy. As a result a resolution to revoke the Policy was overturned.

As many of you will know our community was saddened by the sudden death in January 2024 of a foundation member of BAAC, Martin McCallum. Martin was a quiet achiever. He was highly respected for his considered advice on all things cultural – locally, at the State level and globally. We were shocked at his passing and since then have been actively working with Mayor Sue Heins, Council staff and Martin’s family to plan for a lasting memorial in recognition of Martin’s contribution. At this stage it is likely to be a small landscaped art garden in Governor Phillip Park in Palm Beach. This is a long term plan needing approvals, funding and imagination.

In 2025 BAAC worked closely with the Avalon Business Chamber on fundraising and programming for the inaugural Deep North Arts Festival. The Festival launched on 5th December 2025 and over 3 days delivered well received animation across the Avalon Village and at Palm Beach. BAAC is continuing to contribute to festival feasibility and future planning. 

In 2026 the focus will be on liaising with Council on the design of the Shared Space and on overall Urban Design for the Village. BAAC is also anticipating ongoing contributions towards the development of the final Plan of Management for Governor Philip Park at Palm Beach and on progress towards the realisation of a public artwork at Newport Beach as part of the Council’s Coast Walk art trail.

We appreciate the umbrella provided by APA and for its support.