Minister for the Arts Matt Foley today cemented his support for the new home of La Boite theatre by laying the first brick in the constructions at Kelvin Grove.Mr Foley said the new $4.35 million theatre was part of a new Creative Industries Precinct at the old Gona Barracks site. The precinct is a joint partnership between Queensland University of Technology and the Department of State Development and will be a key element of the new Kelvin Grove Urban Village.
"The Creative Industries Precinct will include an advanced media lab for music/sound film and television, an interactive exhibition space, a Creative Industries Enterprise Centre, specialist design studios for drawing, drafting, 3D modelling and fashion and textile design, and production workshops for set construction, prop making and interactive technology," he said.
"This is the direction for arts in the Smart State - educational institutions and arts organisations working together to provide first-class facilities that result in greater innovation, industry and creativity.
"There is great potential for Government, arts organisations and educational institutions to work together and that is part of the Queensland Government's vision for the Smart State." Mr Foley said the Queensland Government's department for arts and cultural development, Arts Queensland, was supporting the project with $950,000 in funding.
The new facility comprises a 400-seat theatre in-the-round, dressing and green rooms, mezzanine level as well as rehearsal and office facilities for La Boite in an adjacent building.
The new theatre is being jointly funded by Arts Queensland, the Department of Public Works, Department of State Development, QUT and La Boite Theatre Company.
La Boite Theatre Company chairperson Athol Young said he was looking forward to the commencement of the 2004 season in the new premises early next year.
"La Boite is thrilled to be working with the Queensland Government and QUT on this project, and we look forward to continuing to deliver quality productions in the new premises," he said.
Media contact: Megan Tudehope on 322 51765 or Russ Morgan on 0408 722 025
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