There are no limits to creativity in Singleton following the opening of the new Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre in Townhead Park at the weekend.

The $4.08 million gallery was funded in partnership between Singleton Council and a $2.787 million Create NSW grant, boasting more than 300 square metres of state-of-the-art space, and two artists’ workshops including wet and digital studios.

The facility 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 complex 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.

The inaugural exhibitions highlight new commissions by photographer Edwina Richards and indigenous artist Debbie Becker, each celebrating the diversity and connection of people to the Singleton area.

NSW Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the NSW Government was proud to have contributed $2.8 million towards this important cultural and tourism attraction.

“Art and culture are at the heart and soul of regional NSW,” he explained.

“I’m delighted to be here to officially open this exciting project that will generate tourism and deliver economic benefits to the local community.

“After the past few years we’ve had with COVID-19, it’s important we enhance artistic spaces to provide creative outlets for the community to come together and experience art and culture.

“This investment through the Regional Cultural Fund will enable that.”

Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the centre was a place for residents and visitors alike, inspiring the imagination and sparking curiosity.

“After years of community campaigning, I am thrilled to see the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre finally a reality and open to our community and visitors to experience and share,” she stated.

“This is so much more than a gallery for paintings and sculptures.

“It’s a space that reflects our identity as a community and celebrates the heritage and culture of the people right across our local government area.

“I cannot wait to see what the future holds for upcoming exhibitions and experiments with public art and, more importantly, for what our local artists will create in the state-of-the-art studios and the inspiration that will come for a new generation of emerging artists.” 

For more information about the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre and the exhibitions, visit https://www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/artsandculturalcentre

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