New arts centre open for business

The Courier toured the almost-complete building yesterday morning.

The City of Rockingham took over project management of the refurbishment of the former St John Ambulance Depot after its building contractor went into receivership with 20 per cent of works still to be completed.

The project was due for completion in October, 2012, but was significantly delayed.

But now the $989,000 development, paid for with funding contributions from the City of Rockingham ($565,000), Lotterywest ($285,000) and the Federal Government ($139,000), will host its first exhibition from today.

Key components of the centre include a multi-purpose space, a display and exhibition space, studio spaces, a sculpture workshop, a meeting room and storage.

Horror novelist Kaaron Warren’s work Through Splintered Walls will star in the gallery space after 300 misprinted copies of the novel were donated to the City. Local artists who participated in a recent series of papercutting and paper art workshops have recycled the books.

The pieces will be on display from 10am-4pm at the Rockingham Community Art Centre, Kent Street, Rockingham.

Warren will host a writers’ workshop from 10am-1pm tomorrow. To register, contact Lee Battersby, co-ordinator cultural development and the arts, on 9528 0386 or email lee.battersby@rockingham.wa.gov.au.