MACLEAY ISLAND ARTS COMPLEX INC CLEARS AIR ON $2 MILLION FUNDING
MIAC would like to clarify some misconceptions in the community about the funding MIAC has received from the Federal Government to build the new Macleay Island Arts Complex.
The $2 million received is for the construction of the building only.
Every dollar spent goes through a rigorous checklist of accountability and reporting to the Government before funds are released.
It cannot be spent on anything extra to fit out the building, eg tables, chairs, art room set up, pottery set up, administration and computer needs, gift shop fit out and the kitchen requirements.
MIAC also have $24,000 pa costs with rent at the temporary premises in Southsea Terrace in order to have a presence with office and a small gallery for Macleay Island artists.
Not to mention other costs with insurances, electricity and running the gallery.
The organisation’s meagre funds are disappearing quickly, which is why MIAC are holding fundraising events to keep afloat and applying for Grants to afford to fit out the new complex.
The Macleay Island Arts Complex Inc wishes to thank those businesses that support us by sponsoring our events; the wider community for their enthusiasm; the other NFP organisations for their support; and, of course, our hard working volunteers who keep the wheels turning.
Our new Arts Complex will be for all our community to enjoy and MIAC are grateful for this opportunity to have a wonderful centre that would be the envy of any Gallery in Australia.
Work has now started on the new complex, with contractors battling the weather in getting underway.
The screw piles have been done on the pottery section and the plumber has marked out trenches.
The gallery slab has been levelled and marked out for the screw piles, then the plumber will lay pipes before the slab is poured.
• Work starts on the foundations for the new Macleay Island gallery complex.
• ONGOING MEMBERS EXHIBITION in the MIAC temporary gallery in Southsea Terrace has been refreshed with new artworks and pottery. Open 7 days 10am to 3pm.
• FIRED EARTH EXHIBITION Our potters are busy making exciting new work for the annual Fired Earth Exhibition. Opening Sunday 14th April at 1.30pm.
• FIRST FUND-RAISING EVENT
HOT TO TROT, MIAC Hobby Horse Championship. Saturday 27th April at 11am at the Macleay Island Community Hall. Entry Fee $15. This fun event will be a hoot to take part in or just being a spectator. This is going to be a great day of fun with •Grand Parade •Hack •Dressage •Steeplechase •Best Dressed etc
• RUSSELL ISLAND COMMUNITY ARTS (RICArts) – A community-based organisation offering Art, Sewing, Pottery, Ukulele, Mosaic and Craft sessions from Monday to Friday with gallery open on weekends too. All welcome! Come along and see what we have to offer you. While you are there, grab a coffee from Rosie’s, Island Beans Coffee Cart! Find us at The Farm, Art House & Gallery, entry via Robert St, Russell Island. A short walk from the jetty. More info: Ph: 0418 445 942. Email - ricartsfarm@gmail.com website: www.russellislandarts.com/
• Samida Sargeant Exhibition – 28 Feb – 19 March
The Opening Event for Samida’s Pottery and Painting Exhibition will be held on Saturday 2 March 2024 at 2pm. However, if you miss the opening don’t worry. The exhibition continues until 19 March at The Farm, Arthouse & Gallery. This will be a wonderful exhibition of pottery and paintings from our own talented Samida. Come along and treat yourself!
• Russell Island Writers’ Group now with RICArts!
We are very pleased to welcome the Russell Island Writers’ Group to the RICArts family. Writing sessions will be held each Thursday from 12.30pm at The Farm, Arthouse & Gallery at the usual cost of $5 per session. New members welcome so please pop along and say hello.
• HUGE Craft Materials Rummage SUPER Sale – Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 March 9.30am to 3pm
RICARTS will have a HUGE amount of new and unopened Scrap Booking materials which can also be used for journaling, pottery, artwork, collage – you name it. Stamps, inks, die cuts, quality papers etc. etc. for a fraction of the retail price. This sale should NOT BE MISSED if you are an artist, artisan or crafter. There is approx. $20,000 worth of items for sale that will just about be skipping out the door for next to nothing. The current owner purchased the hoard of goodies with the aim of running classes but unfortunately cannot proceed due to ill health. All the materials must go!! Bring your empty bags, boxes and trolleys. EFTPOS or Cash on the day. See you there!