Canowindra Arts Inc would like to ask the towns leading community action and development groups whether they would join with the drafting of an appeal to Cabonne Council for help in establishing something that’s sorely missing here – a permanent community centre. Currently Canowindra needs a place where community groups can meet, work and display their activities in an affordable
and accessible location. “It’s a pressing need that’s become crucially important from our point of view over the past nine months in which we’ve worked to reinstate and promote Canowindra’s position as a proven regional arts hub,” said Derek Maitland.
The Canowindra Arts Inc has managed three major exhibitions, presenting the works of nearly 20 artists. This success has been achieved under the constant pressure of uncertainty – wondering just how long they could continue to enjoy the empty Gaskill Street premises.
“Since the recent sale of the building we’ve looked at every possible place in Canowindra that could provide us with the space, natural light and sense of grandeur that made our exhibitions so successful,” said Derek. There seems to be no other location in Canowindra suitable enough for a permanent arts and cultural centre that would house the exhibitions and expanded creative development programs.
“Coming together under the umbrella of a Canowindra Community and Cultural Centre we’d not only have full-time quarters for our own individual activities but could interact more closely on a joint program community development, adding to and supporting the spectacular annual events that are already drawing more and more visitors each year to our town,” said Derek.
Canowindra Baroquefest has shown the cultural magic they are capable of presenting and the enormous public response to the three Canowindra Arts exhibitions has confirmed the wide, enthusiastic interest in the cultural path they are promising to lay down. Canowindra has worked hard over the years to put itself on the map as a vibrant regional attraction. It now deserves a joint voluntary campaign for the support of such entities as Cabonne Council, the NSW government and private businesses for a citizens and ratepayers facility where it can meet and build on what it has already achieved.
Arthur Falconer, Chairman 0408 416 034; Derek Maitland, Vice-Chairman 0406 316 612.