CREATIVE NEW LIFE FOR OLD BUILDINGS

A Government-funded program is breathing new life into disused buildings across Queensland and providing much-needed arts spaces for communities.

Arts Minister, Rod Welford, said the Gritty Places Partnership Program initiated in 2006 was paving the way for a cultural transformation across the state.

“Our Government is providing $200,000 a year until 2009 to help local councils and community groups convert old council buildings into arts venues,” Mr Welford said.

“This is a creative and cost-effective way of meeting the growing demand by our arts and cultural community for affordable arts spaces.

“We are actively seeking interest from local councils to develop further Gritty Places projects using redundant utility buildings such as town halls, old cinemas and depots.

“Four Gritty Places projects funded last year are due to open this year, and each one reflects the creativity and specific needs of their local communities.”

The four funded projects are:

• Mount Isa - A significant part of the town’s local history is being retained by converting the area’s first built tourist attraction, the old Frank Aston Historical Museum, into a venue for tourists, artists and craft workers.
• Croydon is redeveloping its heritage-listed courthouse, built in 1887 following the discovery of gold, into a multi-purpose artist space.
• The Mareeba Heritage Museum and Tourist Information Centre site will be redeveloped into an arts hub to further stimulate the region’s arts industry.
• A sub-station in Brisbane, once used for the tram network going through Norman Park, will provide short term studio and rehearsal space to artists.

“These projects show the potential this program has to benefit many communities by contributing to local arts and culture, creating more jobs for artists, improving urban renewal and boosting creative industries in regional areas,” Mr Welford said.

Local councils can apply for grants of up to $50,000 per location to develop a Gritty Places project and will need to demonstrate their financial commitment by at least matching the funding sought from the Government.

Applications for the next round of funding close on 30 March 2007. For more information about Gritty Places, visit the Arts Queensland website www.arts.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3235 4043.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985