Enta Australasia
As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd. Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing. 19th July 2018 - ENTA…
read moreCessnock Regional Art Gallery is facing closure after Cessnock City Council rejected a request for $36,000 in emergency funding to keep the gallery operating.
The Gallery had asked for the financial backing to allow it to remain open until the middle of the year fearing that without Council support it will have to close in the coming weeks.
However, the Council rejected the funding plea, with Mayor Bob Pynsent highlighting that the Council has already given the Gallery $120,000 over the last two years, while also waiving $35,000 in rent each year.
Mayor Pynsent told local media "it's very clear that the council doesn't want to support the emergency funding.
“(While) I think we need an art gallery of some sort whether it's the model that's been running for the last couple of years, or not, we will know when we have the strategic review report, which comes back within the month."
Mayor Pynsent fears that the Gallery is financially unsustainable, and its artwork can be exhibited in other council-owned facilities.
He added “we can't just keep going the way the model is - it's unsustainable and there's got to be another way.
"I'm hoping that we can use other council facilities to exhibit art - use the performing arts centre and our libraries in the interim while a strategic review comes back.
"The cost blowout in running the art gallery, council is at the point now where enough is enough."
Gallery Director Dr. John Barnes said the Council's decision to reject emergency funding means the gallery is now likely to close .
Barnes stated “essentially, unless we can find that other money from other sources, which is highly doubtful, we'll have to close.
"We're already on a very small staff, so any reductions we make that way will essentially mean we're all voluntary, and we'll see how that goes."
Michael Rolfe, Chief Executive of Museums and Galleries New South Wales, fears the economic benefits of a regional gallery have not been taken into account.
Rolfe added “we understand of course that local government does face financial pressures, but it's well documented that cultural facilities in towns, such as Cessnock, are actually quite effective economic generators for the community.
"So, it's not simply a matter of deciding to spend $30,000 - there is a value, and this is a disappointing outcome."
Gallery strategies to stay open include a special exhibition and art auction, possibly in the first week of May, while other fundraising activities and expenditure-saving measures will be explored.
Cessnock City Council is currently conducting a strategic review on the need for an art gallery, with the outcomes to be reported in coming weeks.
Council’s consideration of 2014/15 funding for the art gallery ($60,000) was suspended last year pending the outcome of the strategic review.
In addition, the NSW Government also withheld funding in 2015 after providing $40,000 last year, something Dr. Barnes puts down to a “perceived absence of council support”.
He said this effective loss of $100,000 in income had forced the gallery to rely on its cash reserves, hence the plea for the $36,000 in emergency funding, which would have taken it through until the end of the financial year.
Since its inception in 2009, the Gallery has been funded by a combination of private and corporate donations, grant funding from arts organisations and Arts NSW, and some in-kind and occasional financial support from Council.
27th November 2013 - STUDY REVEALS THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC ART MUSEUMS
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd. Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing. 19th July 2018 - ENTA…
read moreSmart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…
read moreLinks Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.
read moreWhether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…
read moreAbout: Momentus Technologies is a global provider of industry-leading venue and event management solutions that empower organizations to create extraordinary moments. With over 50,000 users in more…
read moreOtium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…
read moreGladstone Health & Leisure (Gladstone MRM Pty Ltd Australia) is a leading supplier of leisure management and fitness software and is endorsed by leading health and fitness professionals and…
read moreAs of February 2023, Ungerboeck Software has rebranded as Momentus Technologies.
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!