Arts centre to be revamped
THE Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre is due for a makeover.
An exciting public consultation session will be held tonight (August 25) to discuss the future of arts in Bass Coast.
“We are undertaking a business study to find out what we can do to give the arts centre a lift,” Bass Coast Shire Council’s coordinator for recreation and culture Mark Lindsay said.
The arts centre was initially opened in 1982 and the community has decided it is in need of vibrancy.
“We want the arts centre to become the jewel in the crown of council’s assets,” musical director Kirk Skinner.
“This is a building people value, but it’s getting tired and needs a makeover.”
Expert consultants will be present at the meeting, and decisions will be guided by different models akin to the models used for art centres in Warragul, Traralgon and Sale.
“I was amazed by the set up in Sale. When we discuss the future of the arts centre, we will choose a model that best fits the area, but will incorporate aspects of other centres,” Mr Lindsay said.
Mr Skinner said the key factor in the makeover would be community involvement.
“This will factor into the sustainability and the long term use of the facility,” he said.
Ideas to improve the functionality and usage of the facility including the addition of meeting rooms, studios, technology training and black box theatre for more intimate productions.
“There is so much talent in Bass Coast. When we can put on shows like Pippin and the dance concerts at the end of the year, you can see the talent in our area is absolute,” Mr Lindsay said.
“We also have a passionate film group in Bass Coast with a strong following. This potential refit and renovation is significant, as it will help to facilitate all community groups.”
The refit may allow the foyer to be used as an exhibition area and will allow community groups to use the art centre as a whole.
“A large percentage of the community is passionate about this building and its use,” Mr Skinner said.
“We have a highly sophisticated community with incredible emerging talent. This renovation will bring considerable benefit, which can’t be underestimated.”
Local businesses will also reap the benefits of the remade art centre. The streets of Wonthaggi can become quiet during the night, but the renovation and increased usage is expected to liven up the township.
Leading attendees at tonight’s consultation will be preeminent experts Wendy Dustan and James Buick.
They said the arts centre was a valued community asset and any future plans must reflect the views of those who use it now and those who would like to use it in the future, including patrons, hirers, schools, arts groups and the broader community.
Staged at the arts centre from 6.30pm until 9pm, this evening will inform a recommendation to be presented to council at its meeting in October.
To be remodelled: from left, Bass Coast Shire Council’s coordinator for recreation and culture Mark Lindsay and musical director Kirk Skinner are thrilled plans are development for refitting and renovating the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre.
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Aug 25 2015. Filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
