Five years of lobbying by Barwon Heads Arts Council (BHAC) looks set to bear fruit with a new arts hub in Barwon Heads one step closer.
Council gave its approval to enter into a $1 million funding agreement with the state government to progress the project’s design and construction.
The state government committed $1 million towards an arts and community hub at 5-5A Clifford Parade before the 2018 state election.
Council isn’t required to contribute funding to the project, but the site is owned by the City.
BHAC has been lobbying since 2013 for an arts and community hub in Barwon Heads and said it fully supports the development of a new hub on the old kindergarten site in Clifford Parade.
“Barwon Heads is an arts town with no designated arts facilities so the hub will fill this gap,” BHAC president Karen Shirley said.
“In 2016, BHAC received COGG funding and commissioned a Needs Analysis that concluded the community strongly supported a hub for arts and non-arts use.
“While there will be a strong arts focus, we expect the spaces to be available for all community groups to hire.
“Activities will evolve once the hub is redeveloped but we see opportunities for drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital technology classes, music lessons, lectures, seminars and meetings, teen activities and space for exhibitions.
“We wish to sincerely thank minister Lisa Neville for supporting this hub with a $1 million commitment at the last state election.”
BHAC will participate in the soon to be established Project Reference group with other community groups to advise on the design of the hub including the most appropriate governance and operating model. Community consultation will be part of the process.
Councillor Jim Mason also supported the project.
“Council will analyse the location and design options carefully with guidance from the community and stakeholders, whilst also finding a financially sustainable solution,” he said.
“Barwon Heads has both a strong arts presence and need for an arts and community hub in the township.”
