MIAC PLANS FOR NEW GALLERIES, FACILITIES VIA A MUCH LARGER AND TOTALLY NEW BUILDING
The Macleay Island Arts Complex Inc is to get a wonderful new headquarters.
It is to be built on the site of the existing complex at 95-97 Coast Road.
The new structure has been designed by out-going MIAC president, Christopher Gilbert, who just happens to be a highly-regarded architect.
Christopher told The Friendly Bay Islander: “I have harked back to my architectural years and have produced an exciting building concept for the future of MIAC.”
The new building is much larger than the present gallery and will encompass the entire current footprint that involves the current gallery and work areas and the adjoining pottery shed.
The new structure will be in two sections and on two different, but adjoining levels.
The higher level will include a large pottery area opening to a covered deck overlooking Moreton Bay to the west as well as an art work room and a racking kiln room.
The lower level will house administration on the road side, kitchen and bathroom facilities, two galleries and a cafe shop.
The cafe shop and Gallery 2 will open up onto a substantial verandah and covered terrace, again overlooking the wonderful waterfront location. This area will be ideal for current openings of art exhibitions and events.
Christopher Gilbert, whilst wishing to hand over the presidency at this month’s annual meeting, says he will be happy to ‘stay on’ and act as a building supervisor for the project, when funding is made available.
And funds may be available soon, thanks to pre Federal May election promises via the Labor candidate for Bowman, Donisha Duff, and State Labor MP Kim Richards.
It is believed around $1.5 million may be available via the forthcoming Federal Labor budget, also due to be announced this month of October.
• The floor plan and external impression of the new MIAC structure.
