Study into a cultural precinct for Monash underway

A vision for an innovative arts, cultural and learning centre will be the focus of a feasibility study at Monash Gallery of Art (MGA) and Wheelers Hill Library.

The Integrated Cultural Precinct study is funded by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund, which will investigate the creation of a space that embodies creativity, inspiration and learning.

Mayor Shane McCluskey said the study would draw on MGA’s national profile as the Australian home of photography and the valued role of Wheelers Hill Library as a community meeting place and local information centre.

“The integration and expansion of the MGA and library spaces, programming and services is an exciting new model for the provision of cultural services that we’re keen to explore,” Cr McCluskey said.

“Council is delighted to have this opportunity to consider how the full benefit of these great cultural services may be achieved for Monash residents.”

The study will explore the potential growth and benefits of the gallery and library as a redefined and expanded cultural precinct, including how to leverage MGA’s strong foundations and national profile with an augmented library service that meets the current needs of the community and prepares for future needs.

Community consultation will be conducted during the study, which will take place between November 2019 and September 2020 with updates available on Council’s website and newsletters.

MGA Gallery Director Anouska Phizacklea said: “Over the past 30 years MGA has become known as the Australian home of photography and we have built one of our nation’s most unique and culturally significant public collections – the only one solely dedicated to Australian photography”.

“The significant investment of funding and support from the State Government provides MGA with an opportunity to build on its strong foundations and explore the potential to create a cultural centre of regional significance that envisions what the next 30 years and beyond may hold,” Ms Phizacklea said.

“The grant from the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund will enable MGA and the Wheelers Hill Library to create a new framework for an exciting future.”

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