The MAC Inc refreshes board and plans for soft launch

THE MAC Inc has refreshed its board as it works towards a soft launch of Torquay’s new arts facility later this year.

Last month, the multi-disciplinary arts collective announced the makeup of its seven-member board that will manage the facility to be created at the Surf Coast Sport and Recreation Centre.

George Carman is remaining as chair, but the other six members – Glen Barton. Trina Butko, Ray Ingwersen, Wendy Maitland-Smith, Magdalena Wheatland and Meryl Whiteside – are new.

Mr Carman thanked the outgoing board members – Michael Baker, Gay Bell, Sally Groom, Fred Preston, Daniela Rodriguez and Tim Sullivan – for their valuable work, including meeting 27 times in the past 14 months and lodging a management plan for endorsement by the Surf Coast Shire.

“It’s been a long haul, but hey, we’re getting there,” he said.

The new and old boards held an informal gathering outside the Surf Coast Sports and Recreation Centre last week, and will start formal meetings once the shire agrees to a lease on the arts facility.

The MAC Inc submitted a draft lease agreement on December 1 and is awaiting a written response from the shire.

Mr Carman said The MAC Inc was hopeful the fit-out could be completed by the middle of this year, but in the meantime, the board would get things going and plan a soft launch with an open day on March 27.

The first production from the Torquay Theatre Troupe (TTT), a collection of three one-act plays, is scheduled to take place in the facility on April 27.

TTT member Gay Bell said there had been considerable community interest in the troupe’s return, even in a limited fashion.

“People have been asking ‘When are you going to do something?’.”

The board is also in discussion with the shire about project management of the key fit-out elements to be funded by the Regional Development Victoria grant of $240,000, which is contingent on the Surf Coast Shire’s contribution of $60,000.

The key fit-out elements are some basic electrical works, painting and sanding preparations, a soundproof and fireproof dividing curtain, gallery lighting and fittings, theatre lighting rigging, lights and sound equipment to complement the TTT assets being brought into the facility, and a scissor lift for installation works in the gallery and theatre.

Other items to be sourced in the near future include banks of mobile seating, lockable storage facilities including theatre asset storage racks, specialised IT data projectors, assorted curtains, small furnishings for administration and meeting rooms, and some small items to complete the commercial kitchen facility.