ACLEAY ISLAND ARTS COMPLEX INC

NEW $2 MILLION GALLERY PRECINCT A HUGE BOOST TO ISLAND ARTS

The Macleay Island Arts Complex Inc (MIAC) is about to open its exciting $2 million arts complex.

Located in the most northern section of Coast Road on Macleay Island, off Benowa Street, it is a ‘game changer, in the way the arts can be perceived on our islands.

A brilliant location, a stunning design, and finished to the highest standards, the new complex will become a 

‘hub’ for not just the arts, but for meeting and greeting friends and family.

That’s because it is not just an art gallery.

It is a community hub with a distinct difference.

And the icing on the cake is its stunning location.

The waterside position is one of the best on the island with brilliant westerly water views; unique to the Australian East Coast.

The build was funded by the Australian Government, but that is just part of the story.

Buildlife Constructions Pty Ltd were the main building contractor, and many Island businesses contributed to the build as well including Nature Co Concrete with the frame by TEK Frame.

A standout have been the many MIAC members who all banded together to provide the ‘finishing touches’.

There were ladies assembling cabinets, and heaps of members on the ‘tools’ laying pavers, landscaping and finishing off, particularly over the past few months.

Led by dual presidents Christopher Gilbert (and wife Phillipa)and Catherine Marsh, all the members became ‘beavers’ doing anything and everything for the ‘official opening’ that is to take place on Saturday the 7th of June (invitation only) and open to the public from Sunday the 8th June when from then the all new MIAC gallery will be open 7 days a week.

Like the old MIAC, the arts complex is in two sections; but this new version is ‘something else’.

The main entrance is in the southern section where the two main galleries are located.

When you enter the complex you are immediately in the larger Sandpiper Gallery.

This leads to the adjoining, smaller, Christopher Gilbert Gallery, obviously named not just after the long-standing dual president and solo president before that but the man, as an architect in a previous life, came up with not just the concept, but the design.

And what a design it is.

The two galleries give versatility to island art on show that is sure to have a considerable impact. 

It is no surprise that other areas of the arts will be promoted and enjoyed here in the future, including visual, literary and performance arts.

The other area in this entry building is the adjoining shop, coffee shop and bar. This is appropriately called ’Tide and Taste’

Beautifully done, this is the area that will drive income to the complex and will become a ‘beacon’ for island meets and greets.

The smaller second building is for actual artistic work including all aspects of the arts, but with an emphasis on pottery with an appropriate kiln. 

The separate areas here are ‘Arts Space’  and ‘Fired Earth.

There is also a pottery work room and kiln rack room.

Linking these two exciting new buildings is the ‘coup de gras’ of the entire arts complex.

It is the huge covered deck area that offer so much scope for the future.

Christopher Gilbert pointed out that there is a special ‘Muso’s Corner’ with appropriate electrical installed to allow visiting groups and musicians to perform.

The good news is that the new MIAC Arts Centre will be open 7 days a week.

And it doesn’t matter which island you are on, you need to get together and get over to Macleay Island and see what the artistic fuss is all about!

• The lovely setting 

On the tools Catherine Marsh and Christopher and Philipa Gilbert

• The Bar and Shop area