The new chapter begins on May 20 when the not-for-|profit centre expands into Midland to launch heARTlines, the annual Act-Belong-Commit children’s literature festival presented through an exhibition, workshops and talks by authors and illustrators.
The line-up of artists with work on show will include Kyle-Hughes Odgers, Matt Ottley, Terry Denton and Frane Lessac and Brian Simmonds, among other award-winners.
Director Jenny Haynes said with the community’s help, the centre was looking forward to creating a vibrant arts base in Midland to attract locals and visitors to the historic building.
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READ NOWShe said the centre would build on past programs to deliver a diverse arts education and cultural program through regular visual, performing and community arts activities for the eastern region.
Midland Junction Arts Centre started as a school in 1904 and has accommodated many different groups over the years, while the Mundaring Arts Centre has built a reputation for arts and cultural leadership.
Ms Haynes said community ‘busy bee’ clean-ups were underway to help transform the Midland hub into a community arts centre.
The centre won a tender to manage and lease Midland Junction from the City of Swan following the success of Make Your Mark, an arts project run in conjunction with the City last year.
An open day of free events will run at the centre on June 17, where visitors will be encouraged to learn about upcoming workshops or join ‘walk-in’ activities and exhibition tours.
Ms Haynes said rooms would be available for hire at the Midland arts centre after some years of minimal use.
“The Junction is a superb venue set in the heart of Midland and we want to hear from the community how they would like to see it used,” she said.
“Is it art classes, workshops, seminars, exhibitions, performances, concerts, dance, artist in residence studios?
“We would like people to register their interest and come along to one of four workshops to discuss how they would like to see this wonderful old building evolve.”
Community consultation workshops will be held at various times on May 28, 30 and 31 and June 1.
The Midland building has rooms suitable for exhibitions, workshops, wet rooms and space for an artist-in-residence. To book a place or find out more about upcoming events, call 9295 3991 or visit www.mundaringartscentre.com.au.