Casey Council is getting ready to transform the under-utilised Narre Warren Mechanics Institute Hall to create its new Emerging Artists Creative Hub, thanks to a commitment from the latest round of the State Government’s Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program.
Part of the State Government’s $6 million Creative Spaces and Places program and supported by the Community Support Fund, the grant program is supporting local councils to provide artists and creative practitioners with fit-for-purpose, accessible and secure facilities where they can develop their work and careers, and opens up creative spaces for local communities across the state.
With opportunities for every community across metro, suburban and regional Victoria, the grants will ensure more creatives have the opportunity to showcase their work and celebrate their artist flare alongside other local creative practitioners.
Casey Council administrators chair Noelene Duff PSM said the council welcomed the State Government’s funding towards the project, thanking them for their continued investment in the region, which is one of the fastest growing regions in the state.
“The Emerging Artists Creative Hub will provide a working studio space in the heart of the Narre Warren business precinct,” she said.
“The Hub will be a place where artists can develop their practice in a dedicated arts space, collaborate and network with other artists and hold exhibitions and performances.
“The Hub will be able to accommodate two to three emerging and youth-focused art and culture organisations concurrently for a three-year residency pilot program.”
Ms Duff said the new space could be utilised to cover a number of creative endeavours, including design, visual arts, performing arts, film, literature and dance.
“The proposed infrastructure upgrades to the Narre Warren Mechanics Institute Hall will allow greater flexibility in the range of creative industries,” she said.
“Expressions of Interest are expected to open in early 2024.”
Creative Industries Minister Colin Brooks said the new spaces will allow all local artists to create and exhibit their work in their own community.
“This program is all about unlocking and improving the spaces available for creative work across every corner of Victoria,” he said.
“Whether you’re a creative professional in metro or regional Victoria, we are giving more local communities access to facilities that enable high quality productions, exhibitions and other creative offerings.”
