After travelling to Melbourne for the 5th World Summit on Arts & Culture, I took the opportunity to visit Wagga’s Regional Gallery & Museum of the Riverina. For a number of years Wagga has maintained a strong profile in the provision of cultural facilities and services. While this was not my first visit, the opportunity to hear first hand from Council GM Phil Pinyon and key staff reinforced the importance and effectiveness of the programs and plans that are in place.
After meeting council, museum and gallery staff at Wagga, I attended the opening of Cootamundra’s Tin Shed Theatre, the latest component of their inspiring Creative Arts & Cultural Centre.
I think it was in 2004 that Isabel and Leigh Scott and a band of volunteers began a concerted and planned campaign to develop a former farm machinery outlet into a thriving arts centre. To date, over 10000 hours of volunteer labour has been contributed by the Cootamundra community to the Arts Centre project. It truly has become a venue run by the community for the community. Before the theatre’s grand opening the centre already boasted a community gallery, artist studios, a workshop space, ceramics/ kiln room and a meeting space.
The Arts Centre has ongoing support from The Cootamundra Shire Council and has received a number of state and federal arts grants to complete various sections of the project. These grants have been made on a dollar for dollar fundraising basis. Patrons large and small have helped the Arts Centre on its way, from local tradespeople discounting their work, to local businesses selling tickets for events. This project demonstrates the creative and resourceful nature of the Cootamundra community and indeed regional communities generally.
The official opening was performed in front of over 120 local people by Mary Darwell, Executive Director of Arts NSW. It was a pleasure to meet Mayor Doug Phillips and to hear of his pride and enthusiasm for what has been achieved. I encourage you all to head to Cootamundra Shire – activities and programs can be found on the arts centre’s website www.ccacc.org.au.
After meeting council, museum and gallery staff at Wagga, I attended the opening of Cootamundra’s Tin Shed Theatre, the latest component of their inspiring Creative Arts & Cultural Centre.
I think it was in 2004 that Isabel and Leigh Scott and a band of volunteers began a concerted and planned campaign to develop a former farm machinery outlet into a thriving arts centre. To date, over 10000 hours of volunteer labour has been contributed by the Cootamundra community to the Arts Centre project. It truly has become a venue run by the community for the community. Before the theatre’s grand opening the centre already boasted a community gallery, artist studios, a workshop space, ceramics/ kiln room and a meeting space.
The Arts Centre has ongoing support from The Cootamundra Shire Council and has received a number of state and federal arts grants to complete various sections of the project. These grants have been made on a dollar for dollar fundraising basis. Patrons large and small have helped the Arts Centre on its way, from local tradespeople discounting their work, to local businesses selling tickets for events. This project demonstrates the creative and resourceful nature of the Cootamundra community and indeed regional communities generally.
The official opening was performed in front of over 120 local people by Mary Darwell, Executive Director of Arts NSW. It was a pleasure to meet Mayor Doug Phillips and to hear of his pride and enthusiasm for what has been achieved. I encourage you all to head to Cootamundra Shire – activities and programs can be found on the arts centre’s website www.ccacc.org.au.
Michael Rolfe
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