Braidwood Regional Arts Group Inc. (BRAG) is dedicated to fostering the arts in the Braidwood region with the aim of making Braidwood a centre for creative and cultural excellence.

Since its foundation BRAG has successfully pursued this in many ways:-

• through cultural events and exhibitions;

• by auspicing members’ grant-funding applications; and

• by giving practical support and encouragement to members’ initiatives and other community events.

Now BRAG hopes to widen the scope of its activities and actively contribute to the local economy by establishing a Community Arts Centre in Braidwood. This would enable BRAG to initiate projects such as outreach programmes for young people and would become an invaluable resource for the whole community.

An ideal property in a prominent position with easy access has become available in Braidwood’s main street and BRAG is raising money to buy it. The image above depicts the building in its future glory.

No 43 Wallace St (see map below) has a large weatherboard building that was once a schoolhouse. It stands on a two-block site fronting the main street but also with vehicle access from a lane-way at the rear. The building is raised on brick piers and accessed by ramp to a covered front veranda.

Core uses would include:-

• a gallery shop rented out to raise income;

• a small meeting room with office space plus a larger public room. The office space would provide a home for local arts groups such as the Braidwood Folk Music Club, the Braidwood Quilters and the Theatre companies, as well as BRAG, to properly house their records and equipment, and

• a public room suitable for rehearsals, workshops, classes, recitals, play and poetry readings. It would also be available to rent.

A whole swag of potential other uses have been suggested for the outside space. These include

• building open workshops where metal and wood-workers could display their skills,

• a Quilt Museum and Gallery, and

• a Community Garden.

These options will be explored further after the building is purchased.

The estimated cost of acquiring and establishing the Braidwood Community Arts Centre is $535,200.

Various funding bodies are being approached including the Regional Partnerships Program, but it is individual donations that will be crucial to success.

Of the estimated $535,200 required for purchase and basic refurbishment about $185,770 still needs to be found. Whether large or small, each donation is a step towards the target.

The Braidwood Community Arts Centre Appeal is held under the auspices of the Australian Cultural Foundation (ACF).

This allows potential donors to pledge the amount they wish to give. When the pledges total reaches the required target then gifts are sent to ACF. All such gifts are tax deductible.

You can find out more about how donation works at www.abaf.org.au.

Download the Donation Form (Word format)

Download the Donation Form (PDF format)

You can find out more about the way to donate on www.abaf.org.au

or email / telephone BRAG’s President, Gill Burke, on 02 4842 2579

 

Any questions about the proposed Community Arts Centre or request for information should also be directed to Gill Burke.