By Ethan Benedicto
A new, inclusive and open space for everything that speaks and breathes art has officially opened in Narre Warren, bringing the Mechanics Hall back to life.
Called the Emerging Artist Creative Hub, the official opening saw a gathering of artists on Thursday, 8 May, as councillors and local MPs also attended to soak in the sights.
Casuarina Ward councillor, Kim Ross, opened the morning by saying that the hub is “the first of its kind in the City of Casey”.
“It gives local artists the opportunity to develop their art practice, collaborate, meet peers and share skills with local artists,” she said.
Colin Brooks, the minister for creative industries in Victoria, was also present, and after being introduced by Cr Ross, recalled the first time he stepped into the building under renovation, and his amazement at its current state.
“It’s fantastic to be able to be here today on such a special occasion, and I also particularly want to acknowledge all of the creatives that are in the room, all the emerging artists, because this is what this is all about,” he said.
“It’s about you, and we’re going to follow you through with this place on your journey as those emerging creatives.”
Upon entering the front, artists and visitors are greeted by an open space to the left, home to a kitchen and its amenities, but also a small display of some of the artists’ works.
Following through is the main workshop, featuring spaces for individual studios, as well as shared spaces for messy and wet work.
The artists have taken residency for one year and will work independently and collaboratively to develop their practice while also sharing skills and resources.
Brooks MP also touched on the importance of accessibility, from physical accessibility to “in terms of geography, and being aware of where people live and having access to these grounds”.
Casey’s mayor, Stefan Koomen, also addressed the crowd, acknowledging the importance of the new hub and regaling the “creative hub that we’ve brought to life”.
”I was just reflecting that this building is actually 140 years old, and it’s really exciting for me to be able to see new life that this project’s bringing.”
Also in attendance were Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson, Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas, South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis, and representatives from Sibling, the architecture group behind the new interior design.
Fausto Gallego, one of the six artists who have taken residence of the hub for a year, said that it “gives us a space to talk to each other and learn from each other”.
”That’s something you miss when you work on your own, with other people around, you can get a different perspective on your work.”
The Hub was supported through a $150,000 grant provided by the Victorian Government’s Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program, and combined with a $185,660 investment from the City of Casey.
