After more than a year in construction, the state’s newest gallery, the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre will be unveiled next month.

NSW Minister for Arts Ben Franklin MLC will officially open the premises alongside Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Singleton mayor Sue Moore in a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday 6 March.

The community is invited to be part of the occasion with a special free event in Townhead Park from noon to 2pm, with kids’ entertainment including jumping castles and face painting, “live” music and performances, and a sausage sizzle.

People can also book in free guided tours of the centre.

The $4.08 million building was funded in partnership between Singleton Council and a $2.78 million Create NSW grant and boasts more than 300 square metres of state-of-the-art gallery space, as well as two artists’ workshops including wet and digital studios.

The centre will also house Singleton’s Civic Art collection.

The Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre completes Singleton’s Townhead Park precinct, which has been years in the making as a centre for tourism and community connection encompassing the Singleton Visitor Information Centre (VIC) showcasing Hunter Valley operators and products, as well as a café, playground, and children’s bike track.

Mr Franklin said the NSW Government was proud to have contributed $2.78 million towards the important cultural and tourism attraction.

“The new Singleton Arts and Culture Centre will be the Hunter Valley’s newest centre of creativity, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the region,” he stated.

“Importantly, it will also generate tourism and deliver economic benefits to the local community in the Singleton and Hunter Valley region.”

Cr Moore said the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre would reflect the Singleton community’s rich heritage and culture and was much more than a gallery to house paintings and sculptures.

“This centre is something that has been on residents’ wish list for a very long time,” she explained.

“It’s going to be a brilliant base for all that’s happening in showcasing our area as a hub for creativity.

“The Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre draws a line in the sand, quite literally, that says Singleton is a place for arts and culture.

“While people might know our area for mining, wine and agriculture, I can’t wait for them to come inside and experience a new way of looking at Singleton and all that we have to offer.

“This is a fantastic new attraction for Singleton, cementing Townhead Park as a destination for all ages. I look forward to seeing everyone at the opening to celebrate.”

For more information about the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre, including the opening event and to book a free tour, visit https://www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/artsandculturalcentre

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.