The finishing touches have been made to the Narre Warren Mechanics Hall which has been transformed into a bright, purpose-built creative hub. Situated on Webb Street and now open, this inclusive space will allow local artists to develop their art practice, collaborate and share skills.
On Thursday 8 May, City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Casuarina Ward Councillor Kim Ross were joined by The Hon Colin Brooks MP, Minister for Creative Industries; Belinda Wilson MP, Member for Narre Warren North; Gary Maas MP, Member for Narre Warren South; Lee Tarlamis MLC, Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region; and local artists to officially open the Emerging Artist Creative Hub.
The creation of the Hub responds to community feedback which highlighted the need for accessible spaces to create and develop new work, particularly for contemporary and visual arts practice.
Photographer Navaal Saeed; henna artist and art therapy student Fathiah Raihan; artist Fausto Gallego; artist and jeweller Anna Konecny; community events organisation RIDDIM; and Way Over There Collective have taken up residency at the Hub for the next 12 months.
“The Hub gives us a space to talk to each other and learn from each other because that is something that you miss when you work on your own. With other people around, you can get a different perspective on your work,” Fausto Gallego said.
Cr Koomen said: “The Hub is an exciting, first of its kind offering by Council, allowing the artists to flourish in their practice in an accessible and collaborative space.”
“The Hub, which was co-designed by the six artists and architectural firm, Sibling, features spaces for individual studios, as well as shared spaces for messy and wet work, workshops, and small exhibitions of residents’ artworks.”
The Emerging Artist Creative Hub is supported through a $150,000 grant provided by the Victorian Government’s Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program combined with a $185,660 investment from the City of Casey.
For more information about the Emerging Artist Creative Hub, visit https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/emerging-artist-creative-hub
Caption for photo: Back row: Fausto Gallego, Meron Negasi, Cr Kim Ross, Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Anna Konecny. Front row: Fathiah Raihan, Navaal Saeed and Oz Malik.