News
Renew Newcastle in The Star [03.02.2009]
City makeover (from The Newcastle Star)
Newcastle’s renewal has started with seven sets of keys handed to keen artists to properties in the Hunter Street Mall area as part of the Renew Newcastle project . . .
Newcastle’s art scene is ready for a rebirth.
In the next couple of weeks Newcastle will have a new photography gallery, a sound digital – media gallery, an animator’s studio/production house, a shopfront for children’s art and craft classes, an installation exhibition and a gothic and web-design business.
And that’s just the start.
The art renaissance is due to Renew Newcastle.
The not-for-profit organisation started last year by Marcus Westbury aims to revive Newcastle’s inner city area by matching artists and community groups with vacant buildings.
Within three months, the organisation received more than 100 submissions from local artists and groups, which wanted to become involved in its project.
Renew Newcastle secretary Marni Jackson said the organisation’s unique difference was its lease agreements with property owners.
Agreements allow for a 30-day notice period, so artists would have 30 days notice if the property owners had an interested commercial tenant.
“This way the property owner isn’t losing any money.”
Pro-bono help from Sparke Helmore made it possible for Renew Newcastle to develop this unique licence contract.
So far only seven projects have been given the go ahead, although the organisation has close to 30 properties available.
Ms Jackson said submissions would be worked through and matched where possible to available properties.
“It (the seven successful projects) is only a sample of the diversity – we would like to work with all the artists and groups – to get their projects into one of the spaces available.”
It is hoped the next lot of successful submissions would receive keys within the next month.
The organisation is still on the lookout for more interested artists or community groups as well as property owners and white paint donations.
For more information you can go to www.renewnewcastle.org
Hi, I heard an article on radio about this program, and think it's brilliant! Hat's off to the creator. I live in Bribbaree NSW which is too small for a revival, however a town near us named Barmedman, has a main street with most buildings unoccupied. This town if permitted to run a similar program, may be able to move ahead. It's also not far from a national tourist attraction, the Temora Aviation Museum,which would probably help introduce passers-by.
I don't know which council it comes under, but if you want to spread your wings, you might track them down and let them know about your scheme.
Regards, Steve