Many viewing the Narooma School of Arts’ latest images and plans for Narooma Arts and Community Centre (NACC) at the exhibition opening at the SoART Gallery on Friday were “thrilled” with this vision for Narooma.
“Everyone who has been involved in the project with our architects ClarkeKeller is so excited to see the results on display, and they look stunning,’” said Narooma School of Arts President Jenni Bourke.
“What’s more it’s for everyone, not only artists, and the many ways it can be used by our community into the future are only limited by our imagination.”
School of Arts members and the three Narooma-based councillors were invited to preview the exhibition last Friday before it opened to the general public.
In opening the exhibition, Cr Phil Constable congratulated everyone involved.
“Good on you for having the determination and commitment to pursue such a vision,” Cr Constable said.
Above: Narooma Chamber of Commerce President Matt Deveson, left, Narooma School of Arts secretary Laurelle Pacey, Cath and Graham Peachey at the opening of the Narooma Arts and Community Centre exhibition. Photo by Cat Wilson
“The planning and tireless work that’s gone into bringing it from the original concept to the design stage for the Development Application we see here today have been immense.
“To the School of Arts’ committee and members, architects ClarkeKeller and the design team, well done! It is a great team effort.
“My father, a longstanding committee member of the School of Arts, would have been most proud.”
Cr Constable said it was always going to be a challenge to design a building that would not detract from the Kinema which is the adjacent School of Arts building.
“However I believe this design will not detract from the Kinema and in fact will enhance the streetscape,” he said. “I think you have nailed it.”
Ms Bourke urged everyone in the community to drop into the SoART Gallery over the next few weeks to take a close look at the plans; some details have been changed in response to community feedback.
She said work on ideas for the Centre began over 10 years ago but the School of Arts committee, all volunteers, put plans to one side in 2015 to concentrate on doing major work on the Kinema.
“When we completed the Kinema project early last year, the committee again picked up the Centre project particularly following the strong support of a community meeting last December,” Ms Bourke said.
“We estimate over 100 people have been involved in developing the plans over the years, and the School of Arts has invested about $130,000 in hard cash and in-kind to get to this stage.”
The exhibition continues in the SoART Gallery (next to the Kinema) until Friday 13 September. Opening hours are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10-3pm; Saturdays 9-1pm.
The School of Arts intends lodging the Development Application with Eurobodalla Shire Council by the first week of September.
Once the Development Application is approved, the School of Arts will seek funding from far and wide including from the Australian and NSW Governments. The School of Arts has Gift Donor Recipient status so donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Above: The Narooma Arts & Community Centre consultative group includes Anne McCusker, left, Jenni Bourke and Margaret Moran. Photo by Cat Wilson
Above: Narooma School of Arts President Jenni Bourke with Narooma Chamber of Commerce President Matt Deveson, left, and Narooma-based Eurobodalla Shire councillors Lindsay Brown, Phil Constable and Patrick McGinlay at the opening of the Narooma Arts and Community Centre exhibition. Photo by Cat Wilson
Above: Narooma School of Arts President Jenni Bourke said the Arts & Community Centre is not just for artists, “it will be for everyone in our community and the ways it can be used will only be limited by our imagination”. Photo by Cat Wilson
