The MAC in talks with shire about arts facility lease

THE Surf Coast Shire is negotiating with the arts collective that will run Torquay’s newest arts facility about a lease for the project.

Last year, the Surf Coast Shire council resolved the Surf Coast Sports and Recreation Centre on Beach Road will be used as a community-led arts facility when it is no longer required for sport and recreation purposes, following the opening of the Wurdi Baierr Stadium (which is expected to officially take place within weeks) in Torquay North.

The shire facilitated the formation of a multi-disciplinary arts collective, The Multi Arts Centre Inc (The MAC Inc), to take over the management of the shire-owned facility and is now working with The MAC Inc on a lease that will enable performance and visual art to be created and viewed.

The initial lease term proposed is two years, followed by three one-year options.

The Multi Arts Centre will include:

• A 200 square metre gallery for local artists (2D, 3D, digital) to display and sell their work
• A local art shop
• A theatre space (with various lights and staging options) for performance, rehearsal, music practice, readings, presentations, courses, play readings, and literary events
• A meeting room for smaller-scale events, courses, training programs, classes, sharing, displays, workshops, and
• An artists’ hub where people can meet, chat about things arts-related or hang out with other artists.

Late last year, The MAC Inc secretary Gay Bell welcomed news that the state government’s latest budget had earmarked $240,000 for the fitout of the multi-arts centre, which would be combined with a further $60,000 from the shire.

At the time, she said the collective hoped to have signed the lease by Christmas, with the aim of having the Multi Arts Centre up and running by mid-2021.

The shire is accepting feedback on the proposed agreement until January 31.

For more information (including a copy of the shire’s property use agreements policy) or to submit feedback, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/Your-Say/Community-use-of-Council-facilities.