https://www.xxzza1.com
19.6 C
Newcastle

Green light for state-of-the-art facility

SHARE

A state-of-the-art facility showcasing contemporary art and performance in Lake Macquarie is on track to be open within 12 months following development approval.

The first of its kind on Australia’s east coast, the Multi Arts Place (MAP) at Speers Point Park will provide an innovative arts pavilion, including a flexible platform for cutting-edge multimedia exhibitions, contemporary installations, performance, music and community events.

Lake Macquarie City Council’s Arts, Culture and Tourism Manager, Jacqui Hemsley, said MAP would also include a hybrid stage and multi-arts space that could be divided for workshops, pop-up events, and creative engagement programs.

“The space will be an ideal stepping-stone for emerging artists, and a platform to present alternative art to new audiences,” she said.

“MAP will provide a host of exciting new opportunities to the arts community – both locally and further afield.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser, said MAP would help grow the city’s economy, strengthen Lake Macquarie’s reputation as a cultural destination, and attract new visitors.

“This new facility will help drive cultural tourism and the creative economy in our region,” she said.

“We expect it will attract up to 45,000 additional visitors to the city each year, increasing annual visitor spend in the region by $1 million and increasing the total impact of cultural tourism within the precinct to $2.5 million.” 

University of Newcastle architecture student Samantha Bailey’s winning design for MAP was one of dozens submitted by students from the university’s School of Architecture and Built Environment in a design competition in 2018.

Chris Tucker, Samantha Bailey, and other students from the University of Newcastle have been working closely with the council and the NSW Government on the project.

Construction is expected to start in the second half of 2020 and be completed in mid-2021.

The project is funded by the NSW Government through the Regional Cultural Fund, in association with the council.

Visit the council’s website to stay up-to-date with the project.

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!