North Sydney Council and North Sydney Community Centre (NSCC) are proud to announce Mary-Helen Daly as the inaugural artist for the North Sydney Artist in Residence Pilot Program.
This paid residency represents a key direction in Council's Culture and Creativity Strategy - to increase the number of places and spaces available for cultural and creative participation and production, while also providing direct employment opportunities for local artists.
Mayor Zoë Baker said the residency reflects Council's commitment to fostering creativity, inclusion, and innovation.
"This pilot shows what's possible when we support artists and children through shared creative spaces. It's a strong example of Council delivering on our strategic goals, and we're thrilled to welcome Mary-Helen Daly and look forward to seeing the imaginative work that unfolds."
Run in partnership with NSCC, the pilot provides Daly with weekday access to a dedicated studio space in the Centre's Art Room, along with a paid opportunity to share her skills through weekly creative workshops for children in the After School Care Program.
Daly's artistic practice is rooted in sustainability and play, transforming everyday materials into soft sculptures and temporary installations that invite fresh perspectives. As both an artist and transpersonal art therapist, her approach combines creativity, authentic self-expression and wellbeing.
Throughout the residency, Daly will explore the theme of "repurpose," creating hand-stitched forms using natural and recycled materials. Her workshops, which launched this week, give children hands-on opportunities to work with textiles, mixed-media and found objects.
Speaking about the significance of the residency, Daly said:
"Having access to a dedicated space makes a huge difference to how I can work as an artist. It gives me room to experiment, reflect, and build my practice in a more sustainable way. Being supported through this residency means I can focus deeply on making meaningful work, while also sharing that process with children in a way that's joyful and collaborative."
Children will be encouraged to develop their own visual language, experiment with sustainable materials, and share their stories through art. Daly hopes to inspire them to see creative potential in unexpected places and embrace the joy of making.
More details: www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/NSCCxNSC
