TANK UPGRADE TO BENEFIT CAIRNS ARTS COMMUNITY

One of the tanks at the popular Tanks Art Centre in Cairns will be redeveloped through a Government-funded program, which aims to foster creative industry development across Queensland.

Arts Minister Rod Welford said the State Government would provide $50,000 through the Gritty Places Partnership Program to assist with the renovations of ‘Tank 3’.

“The Gritty Places Partnership Program is making a difference to artists and communities throughout the state by transforming old and disused buildings into creative and active spaces,” Mr Welford said.

“Tank 3 in the Tanks Art Centre was an obvious choice to receive this funding.

“The centre is a much-loved community facility for exhibitions and performance which has been operating successfully since 1993, providing an invaluable service to the far north Queensland region.

“Unfortunately, one of the centre’s original three tanks has fallen into disrepair in recent years and is out of commission.

“The Gritty Places funding will allow Tanks Arts Centre to repair the roof of Tank 3, address safety issues, improve the lighting and acoustics and ultimately bring it up to standard as a venue for music events, visual arts and residencies by local artists.”

Mr Welford said between 2005 to 2009, the Government was providing $200,000 a year through the Gritty Places Partnership Program to help local councils and community groups convert old council buildings into arts venues.

“Local councils can apply for grants of up to $50,000 per location to develop a Gritty Places project,” he said.

“Applicants will need to demonstrate their financial commitment by at least matching the funding sought from the State Government.”

Other Gritty Places projects to receive funding in the 2006-07 financial year include renovation of an old council building at Julia Creek into an arts facility and redevelopment of the old Town Hall in Blackall into a space for youth arts.

Applications for the next round of funding close on 28 September 2007. For more information about Gritty Places, visit www.arts.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3235 4043.