New Broome arts space thanks to Shire facility decision
Published on 24 May 2022
The Shire of Broome has provided a major boost to the local creative scene, with a new arts space created for a community group at no cost.
The old Scouts Hall property at 7 Orr Street is currently empty, with the Shire undertaking an Expression of Interest process earlier this year to call for community submissions for use of the facility.
At the April 2022 Shire Council Meeting, Kimberley Arts Network (KAN) was selected as the preferred candidate for the lease of the space.
Following the Council decision and the final Ministerial approval of the lease terms, the Shire will enter into a peppercorn rent lease of $1 per annum with KAN for a period of five years.
This decision aligns with the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan to offer affordable services and initiatives to satisfy community needs, as well as accessible and safe community spaces and to grow knowledge, appreciation and involvement in local art.
KAN is a not-for-profit Broome organisation that is dedicated to promoting, supporting, and increasing opportunities for artists, art organisations and craftspeople across the Kimberley region.
Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said supporting the arts sector was a priority.
“The Shire continues to invest in the arts and culture sector in Broome and I’m excited to see what the future holds for KAN,” he said.
“The fact that the Shire can help a not-for-profit group to turn a vacant building into a community resource is a fantastic outcome for all involved.”
KAN chairperson Chris Maher said the group planned to host art classes, ceramics groups, rehearsing performers, training workshops and activities that bring Broome’s creative community together
“KAN is thrilled to be given to opportunity to play our role in developing a vibrant local community space in that part of Broome,” he said.
“KAN works collaboratively with other organisations and individuals, so we know that there will be lots of opportunity to increase our regional cultural activities.”
KAN secretary Clancy McDowell thanked the Shire, calling the lease award a ‘game changer’.
“We know there are artists, community groups and performers looking for a working space, and up until now there has been nowhere that can support varied arts activity,” she said.
“Having the shed will allow us to host workshops, activities and meetings, and we can offer space to the creative community of Broome.”
KAN were also a successful recipient in the Shire’s Events Development Funding program, recently receiving an $11,035 grant to deliver the Indigenous Community Festival Participation Program in 2023.