Orange Mayor Jason Hamling has welcomed the NSW Government’s $5 million contribution towards the construction of the new Orange Regional Conservatorium.
The NSW Government announced today it would contribute $5 million towards the highly anticipated conservatorium and planetarium project, to be built in the Civic Square North Court, providing state-of-the-art facilities for the growing population of Orange.
Cr Hamling said the council was ready to get on with the job of developing the Orange cultural precinct.
MUSIC TO OUR EARS: Orange Conservatorium and Planetarium Committee Chair Kevin Duffy, NSW Arts Minister Ben Franklin, Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farrraway and Orange Mayor Jason Hamling at the funding announcement.
“Orange wants to thank the State Government for providing funding that will finally deliver Orange’s Regional Conservatorium,” he said.
“It is the final piece of the puzzle in our cultural precinct, bringing music, arts, education, and culture to the whole region and its’ visitors to experience.
“After years of hard work, it’s now time to make this dream a reality.
Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the investment would see musicians and enthusiasts of the arts enjoy the same opportunities as their counterparts in the city, providing both a rehearsal space and an auditorium to watch local, interstate and international performances.
“The NSW Nationals are building a safer, stronger regional NSW through our record infrastructure investment that will pave the way for a brighter future for NSW families,” Mr Farraway said.
“This upgrade will deliver an economic uptick for Orange, providing enormous opportunities to bolster our local educational, arts and events sectors.
“Bigger purpose-built facilities means Orange City Council can pitch for differing performances, such as acoustic only concerts, from international acclaimed artists.
“The enhanced educational aspects of the upgrade will put Orange at the forefront of parents’ minds when considering their children’s academic careers.”
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the new conservatorium will include a state-of-the-art auditorium, performance hall and studio space. The facility will enhance access to creative education opportunities and form a critical component of Orange’s cultural precinct.
“Once completed, this funding will effectively triple the available rehearsal space, provide a 50 per cent increase in studio space, and increased auditorium seats from 185 to 250, facilitating greater access of conservatorium facilities,” Mr Franklin said.
“The conservatorium will deliver expanded music programs to students across the region and will support school STEM learning and increase participation in quality cultural spaces for the local community.
“The Conservatorium will be the final addition to the dynamic Civic Centre which already boasts the Civic Theatre, the Orange Regional Museum, Orange Regional Gallery and Orange Regional Library.”
