Federal Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare MP today officially opened the new $5.8 Million Arts Centre in Bankstown with the Premier of NSW, Kristina Keneally and the Mayor of Bankstown, Tania Mihailuk.
The new Arts Centre is over 800 square metres and includes a theatrette, an outside amphitheatre, two rehearsal rooms, exhibition areas, art studios, a wet studio, offices, workshop facilities, administration and storage facilities making the Bankstown Arts Centre one of a kind.
The Arts Centre was jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Governments. The Federal Government provided $3.15 million as part of the economic stimulus plan that stopped Australia from going into recession. 170 people worked on the planning and construction of the new Arts Centre.
“Bankstown has produced some of Australia’s greatest sporting champions. What is less well known is that it has produced some of Australia’s most talented artists like Bryan Brown, Human Nature and AC/DC.
“This new centre is a great place for the next generation of local actors and artists to learn their trade and take on the world,” Mr Clare said.
The new Arts Centre will house under one roof for the first time, the Urban Theatre Projects, Bankstown Youth Development Service, Bankstown Theatrical Society, Bankstown Arts Society and Bankstown District Lapidary Club.
Executive Producer of Urban Theatre Projects Ms Michelle Kotevski said, “For the first time in our 12 year history in Bankstown, we will have access to a proper theatre and rehearsal space. This is a significant new resource we will be able to invest in the creation of new work by established and emerging western Sydney artists. We hope the Centre, in particular the Theatre, is somewhere locals and visitors will come to love.”
President of the Bankstown Art Society, Ms Joyce Williams said, “Bankstown Art Society is looking forward to being in this wonderful new building to continue our aim of bringing art to the general public.”
President of the Bankstown Theatrical Society, Mr Greg Crease said, “The Arts Centre means much more comfort and better surrounding for our patrons. This is a chance for us to reach a wider audience than we have in the past.”
Artistic Director of the Bankstown Youth Development Service (BYDS) Mr Tim Carroll said, “This is incredibly exciting. All our local, young, brilliant artists can’t wait to get their teeth into it and do the kind of work we do in Bankstown.”
Media Contact: Chris Zogopoulos 9790 2466
