FUNDING BOOST FOR THE ARTS IN TORQUAY
Multi Arts Centre (The MAC) Inc. is thrilled to confirm that the Victorian State Budget released this week included the line item
‘Surf Coast Recreation Centre refit to develop the Torquay Multi Arts Centre’.
Council officers have advised that the Victorian Government will be investing in the creativity of our regional community with a contribution of $240,000. Together with the Council’s 2020-21 budget contribution of $60,000, the total funding available will be in the vicinity of $300,000.
While details are yet to be received from Regional Development Victoria, we are assured that funding will be applied to the initial fit-out of the Torquay Sport & Recreation Centre in Beach Road to develop an art facility comprising a black box theatre, art gallery, an art shop and a meeting/workshop room. These facilities will be available for use by the arts community by mid-2021.
The MAC is currently in discussion with Surf Coast Shire on the terms of a lease for the building and, with the replacement sports stadium in North Torquay expected to be completed by the end of the year, MAC is hopeful that ‘bump-in’ may start early in 2021.
Follow the progress of The MAC at http://themac.org.au (under construction),
https://www.facebook.com/multiartscentre and www.instagram.com/themac_torquay
George Carman Gay Bell
President Secretary