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$80,700 To Improve Yinnar’S Art Resource Collective • Local arts space set for upgrade of facilities
• Improvements will lead to enhanced community experience
By Russell Northe - 29th April 2014 - Back to News Victorian Coalition Government funds project from $1 billion Regional Growth Fund
The Victorian Coalition Government is investing $80,700 from its $1 billion Regional Growth Fund to renovate the historically significant Art Resource Collective (ARC) at Yinnar.
Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the project was important to the community and would see the kitchen and existing toilet block upgraded and security arrangements improved.
"ARC Yinnar is an artist-run, not for profit organisation that provides a focus for creative talent in the Latrobe Valley," Mr Northe said.
Established in 1982, the building accommodates the ARC Yinnar offices, gallery, ceramics, metalwork, photography, painting and drawing areas, private studios and public access areas for print-making, a retail outlet and a theatrette.
Mr Northe said the space was in need of modernisation and required access for people with disabilities.
"This project will achieve this by demolishing the toilet block and constructing a new purpose-designed building with hot water, shower and wash station," Mr Northe said.
"The kitchen facilities will be updated to comply with food safety handling regulations, and electronic locking systems will be attached to all exit doors.
"The works will be a major improvement to the building which is open up to four days a week and provides an important outlet for art and garden classes to a variety of community groups."
The ARC showcases art exhibitions once a month and music events up to six times a year. Between 50 and 200 people a week utilise the property depending on the number of classes and events held.
Member for Eastern Region Danny O‟Brien said the upgrades would further enhance events and community usage at ARC.
"These upgrades will also allow access for people of all abilities to utilise the centre," Mr O‟Brien said.
"The ARC Yinnar redevelopment project is strongly backed by the local community and deserving of Coalition Government support," he added.
Mr O‟Brien said the funding towards the $121,000 project was being provided through the Victorian Government‟s Regional Growth Fund with Latrobe City Council also contributing $40,300.
"The Regional Growth Fund is investing in community-led projects to strategically drive jobs, investment and innovation in rural and regional Victoria," Mr O‟Brien said.
russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au www.russellnorthe.com.au 66 George St, Morwell VIC 3840 ph 03 5133 9088 fax 03 5133 9388
"Since it was established in early 2011, the Regional Growth Fund has invested more than $380 million to support 1364 projects across regional and rural Victoria, leveraging $1.55 billion in total investment."
Latrobe City Council mayor, Sharon Gibson, said the improvements made would make the arts more accessible and attainable by all in the community.
"For many years ARC Yinnar has made a significant contribution to the cultural life of Latrobe City," she said.
"It has provided opportunities for artists to pursue professional careers and community members to learn new skills, as well as share in the unique experiences that only the visual and performing arts can offer.
"Once this work has been completed, I encourage all residents and visitors to visit and enjoy discovering one of the cultural „gems‟ of Latrobe City."
In Latrobe City, the Regional Growth Fund has provided $15.7 million to 48 projects, leveraging about $47.8 million in total investment. Those projects included:
$1,100,000 towards the $1,550,000 Moe Outdoor Pool Refurbishment
$600,000 towards the $683,514 Gippsland Plains Rail Trail – Traralgon to Glengarry
$500,000 towards the $1,500,000 Growing Aerospace Manufacturing at Latrobe Airport
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2014. For more information about the Regional Growth Fund visit www.rdv.vic.gov.au/regional-growth-fund.
Media contact: 5133 9088
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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