Our Vision
We envisage a vibrant cultural town precinct with an emphasis on making and producing spaces, thus building a creative economy and providing opportunities for artists and youth in our region.
Given the scale of the site, the proposal for a cultural precinct does not preclude co-location with social housing and the potential for some retail and hospitality.
More specifically, we are proposing (site space permitting):
* Gallery. Exhibition Spaces - not a ‘Regional Gallery’. Ideally two exhibition spaces:
1. Robert Smith Collection. Features Noel Counihan and other works. Size approximating that of Berninneit Gallery – 80m2 with 36 lineal metres hanging space; wall height 3.3 metres; integrated track hanging, ceiling grid for rigging, exhibition rated LED lighting rated LUX and UV.
2. Contemporary and local works gallery – approx. size double that of Berninneit Gallery – 160m2 and 70 lineal metres hanging.*Art Storage. Robert Smith Collection Size based on current size of Union Theatre Green Room. Size: 4mx4m x 3m high. Plus small admin space.
*MYLI –Library Relocate to site. Needs to be multi-use. Ideally 24-hour access. Connected to other spaces/ gallery spaces. (May not want to move from current site.)
*Studios and workshop spaces 10 x Individual Studio spaces; Artisans, Tech, Trades, Ceramics, 3 x Larger Shared spaces. Common Area for artists to work.
*Possible relocation of local Radio Station South Coast FM. (Note they have just had a new studio space built behind the BCAL / U3A buildings. May not wish to relocate.)
*Music and Performance Space Can existing black box raked seating space be used for this? Purpose: Develop new work, rehearse, perform. Need to differentiate it from the Town Hall and from the Tin Shed (STG) re what it is, offers and does. Note that a 50 to 100 seat space is ideal, and what is missing in the area.
*Training, Arts Industry Vocational, Education Spaces
* Film, Media, Games Industry, Video Tap into growing Victorian indie games industry – Creative Victoria – Youth and younger indie developers, artists, composers and etc. Film and sound production.
*Sculpture Garden/s
*Arts Retail Spaces - studios and other artists direct selling their works
*Administration – up to 3 persons. Meeting rooms, staff amenities. Note this will depend on operational model Ie. Council run and managed or independently run, as to how much space is needed on site.