An education hub at the newly redeveloped Murray Arts Museum Albury (MAMA) has today officially been named the Commonwealth Growth Centre Education Suite.
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the Coalition Government secured the naming rights with funding made available through the Community Development Grants Programme.
“The Coalition is committed to supporting regional centres such as Albury and has invested $300,000 to support this project and name the education suite,” Minister Nash said.
“This builds on the Coalition’s $3.5 million contribution to help redevelop this fantastic arts centre and learning space.
“As a regional based Minister myself, I understand how important it is to invest in regional education facilities – especially those that promote the arts.
“The Education Suite at MAMA will give gallery professionals the appropriate spaces and opportunities to hold workshops, tours, lectures and events and is available for hire 24 hours a day.
Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said art education will now be a focus at MAMA.
“MAMA has the capacity to stage major national and international exhibitions with large scale installations as well as community style art festivals,” Minister Ley said.
“The new education suite will provide students with access to these world-class gallery facilities as well as three flexible learning spaces, a meeting room and two wet-spaces for studio work.
“The Education Suite has been decorated with specific design features which enhance the learning environment for students, including load bearing suspension in the ceilings for displaying sculptural works and magnetic walls painted in whiteboard paint.
“The learning space will develop and inspire new artists well into the future and will also provide opportunities for teacher development programs, distance learning and virtual online exhibits.”
“MAMA is now the cornerstone of Albury’s cultural precinct with many retail and café spaces opening up in the surrounding area.”
For more information about the community Development Grants Programme visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/
