Cessnock Performing Arts Centre will be reinvigorated thanks to a $1.26 million funding boost from the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin visited Cessnock on Tuesday to announce the funding. The grant will allow for the completion of stage two of the arts centre refurbishment, which includes the relocation of the box office, a newly created 67m² retail space, an administration office and access improvements.
Mr Franklin said the upgrade would transform the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre’s ground floor and create a more functional and accessible space.
“This project will see the centre expanded into a cultural hub – providing locals with enhanced access to the arts and dynamic cultural experiences, as well as a place where people can come together to express and exchange their creative ideas,” Mr Franklin said.
“This is an important cultural infrastructure project for Cessnock that will shape its future as a destination for arts and cultural experiences for audiences and visitors alike.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the financial support for this quality arts venue for the community would boost tourism and the Hunter economy.
“This targeted support will deliver excellent opportunities for the economy and help us provide better cultural experiences for our local audiences and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Martin said.
Deputy Mayor John Moores said the funding was an important boost that would reshape an historic Cessnock building.
“I have seen this building transformed from a furniture shop to an arts centre,” Cr Moores said.
“It is wonderful to see this building transforming yet again, this time to expand its capacity to host and support the creative arts in Cessnock.”
Cessnock Performing Arts Centre has also received a $181,000 grant to upgrade its stage lighting from The NSW Government’s Creative Capital grant program.
Caption: Acting Cessnock City Council General Manager Robert Maginnity (left to right), Vicki Sienczuk, Curator of Creative and Performing Arts; Cessnock City Deputy Mayor John Moores, NSW Minister for Arts Ben Franklin, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin, and Cessnock City Acting Director of Corporate and Community Services Darrylen Allan.
