MAC signs lease with shire for new arts venue

THE Surf Coast’s arts community is a step closer to realising their dream of a local performance and exhibition space, with the Multi Arts Centre (MAC) officially moving into the former Surf Coast Sport and Recreation Centre.

The Surf Coast Shire has signed a lease with the MAC to operate a community-led arts facility at the Beach Road site.

Torquay Theatre Troupe and Surf Coast Arts Space will run a range of performance and visual arts activities at the centre for up to five years.

The lease was established not long after sport and recreation programs relocated to the new Wurdi Baierr stadium in Torquay North.

The initial lease is for two years, with the potential to extend another three years while the council plans for its long-term Surf Coast Cultural Facility and Library Project.

The shire and the MAC are now working on a fitout for the building after the council contributed $60,000 in this year’s budget and the state government committed $240,000 to the project.

The MAC president George Carman said he was excited to reach this milestone.

“The MAC has delivered architectural designs, scaled plans, a structural engineering report, technical specifications and professional quotes for procurement and installation of basic fit out equipment,” he said.

“This will complement equipment being brought to the facility by the two anchor tenants Torquay Theatre Troupe Inc and Surf Coast Art Space Inc.

“This would not have been possible without the huge support of community and councillors.”

Surf Coast mayor Libby Stapleton said she was pleased to hand over the keys to the MAC.

“This marks years of work and lobbying by the arts community and I couldn’t be more pleased to see them move in. I can’t wait to see performances and exhibitions happening in this space later in the year after the fitout happens.”

The community will be able to explore the MAC at a free open day on March 27 from 10am-4.30pm. Find out more at facebook.com/multiartscentre.