Premier and Minister for the Arts Anna Bligh has announced new art spaces for Blackall and Tambo created through the innovative Gritty Places Partnership Program.
“Blackall Tambo Regional Council will receive $50,000 for the renovation of the old Woodies’ General Store storage shed in Tambo and $32,600 for the refurbishment of the former Council Students Hostel at Blackall,” said Ms Bligh.
“The Tambo development will provide a dedicated arts studio with the capacity to host youth arts workshops while the venue at Blackall will be a multi-purpose arts space for dance performances, writing and poetry workshops and exhibitions.
The Premier said $163,685 in Queensland government funding would transform four disused buildings into as arts hubs or studios this year, providing much-needed facilities for regional communities.
“Gritty Places, initiated in 2006, is a partnership between the state government and local council to develop redundant council-owned buildings into arts spaces,” she said.
“It’s a creative and cost-effective way to help the regions develop places for people to develop their talent in cultural and creative industries.”
In total, the Gritty Places projects to be developed this year are in Redland, Blackall, Tambo and Labrador.
“They join projects already completed in Sarina, Cairns, Julia Creek, Mt Isa, Croydon, Cleveland, Mareeba and Brisbane’s Norman Park where thriving new art spaces are having a positive impact within their communities,” said the Premier.
“Redland City Council will receive $33,500 for the refurbishment of the old ‘Tennis Clubhouse’ into a multi-purpose hub for festivals and arts activities.
“And fdunding of $47,585 to the Gold Coast City Council will also see the renovation of the Labrador Youth and Community Centre into a space for art studios and workshops.”
The Queensland Government investing a total of $620,278 since the program began.
For more information about Gritty Places, visit the Arts Queensland website www.arts.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3235 4043.
Media contact: 07 32244500
14 April 2009
Other languages