“The arts and culture sector is integral to the success of contemporary Australia – to its values, self-expression, confidence, and engagement with the world”
(Cultural Precinct Report – Australian Trade Commission)
Many have asked about the Art Gallery Project during my last term and my goals for the next. This report will outline its history and my plans for the future if re-elected.
Timeline of events:
- September 2021: The 2016-2021 Council (including current Councillors D Curran, A Napoli, C Stead, D Zappacosta and S Croce) unanimously resolved to build a Regional Art Gallery within five years, fund a Cultural Precinct masterplan, identify a site, start a building fund, and establish a fundraising committee. A Special Rate Variation (SRV) was included in the 10-year financial plan to finance the project.
- January 2022: As a newly elected Councillor with extensive experience in the arts, I was appointed to chair the Griffith Cultural Precinct Masterplan Committee (CPMC) and to the Board of Western Riverina Arts.
- Jan 2022- 15 Nov 2023 Over the next 18 months I engaged extensively with local artisans and stakeholders, hosted workshops, created public education videos, and visited multiple art galleries and cultural events. In addition, I attended eight Local Government conferences, including two on the Visitor and Tourist Economy, which emphasised the importance of the arts to community well-being and economic growth.
- October 2023 The completed Masterplan by award winning experts Conrad Gargett, highlighted the inadequacy of the current art gallery in meeting community needs and hosting major exhibitions, affirming the need for a new gallery to enhance the cultural life of Griffith.
- March-October 2023 Around the same time work on the Masterplan concluded, the Council revealed a projected $5 million deficit, leading to the decision to apply for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) to stabilise the budget.
- 24th October 2023, I seconded the motion to apply for a SRV, which included removing the Art Gallery project from the 10-year budget, as we could not afford it at this time.
- A possible funding alternative for the art gallery project was found: the Federal Government’s Regional Precinct Partnership Program (rPPP) offering funding opportunities of up to $5 million for planning and development, and $50 million for precinct delivery
- 28th November 2023, the Council endorsed my motion to apply for Stream 1 of the rPPP grant for 100% Federal funding for planning and development of an Arts Precinct, including feasibility studies, business case development, and design work. The outcome is expected in September/October 2024.
Answering questions:
“Why continue to advocate for the Arts Precinct Project when the Council can’t afford it ?”
I’m both a visionary and a pragmatist. I dream big, but I also understand that big dreams require a solid foundation, much like a tall building needs strong, deep foundations to stand tall. These foundations—preparation, meetings, planning, design, partnerships, and community collaboration—may not be visible, but they are crucial to realising a great vision, just as they were for the Griffith Sports Precinct, which took 20 years to build, not just two. That’s the kind of long-term vision I have for an Arts Precinct.
My vision extends beyond an art gallery—it’s about building a strong community. That’s why I initiated the Griffith Art Collective, recognizing that a vibrant arts precinct starts with a connected arts community. Drawing from my work on the Cultural Precinct Masterplan and the Western Riverina Arts board, I saw the need for local artists to “Connect, Communicate, and Collaborate.” My vision also includes re-establishing a Griffith Arts Council to unite visual artists, musicians, dancers, writers, and performers, to would work closely with a dedicated Council committee to ensure our cultural infrastructure truly meets the needs of our community.
While Griffith City Council may not currently have the resources for an art gallery, we’re exploring Federal funding through the Regional Precinct Partnership Program. A big dream isn’t enough—it must be carefully planned and financially sustainable. That’s why securing funding for feasibility studies and a business case is critical.
“Why persist with a new arts precinct when nobody wants it?”
While I understand that not everyone sees the value in a new arts precinct or gallery, there are many in our community who recognise its potential to enrich our cultural life and attract future generations to Griffith. As someone who chose to make Griffith my home after moving from Sydney; and as a small business owner who has brought over 15 professionals to Griffith over the years, I understand the importance of the arts in attracting both professionals and our young people to live in Griffith after completing their studies. The question I ask is, “What are people giving up to move to regional Australia?” Often, the answer is family. Griffith is a long way from the city, and that’s where sporting groups, bands, art classes, community musicals, and churches, play a crucial role. These activities bring the community together and create a sense of belonging. For an outsider, the people in these groups become your family. This is what attracts chiropractors, doctors, nurses, and teachers and this is why I’m so passionate about the arts and community gatherings. People don’t relocate for roads, rates, and rubbish—they move because they want to find a place to belong. The arts can provide that sense of belonging.
If we secure funding from the Regional Precinct Partnership Program, it will cover feasibility studies for potential gallery sites, guiding the Council’s decision on the best location. These studies will also determine economic viability and inform the design, getting the project “shovel ready” for future funding opportunities.
In conclusion
Continuing to advocate for the Arts Precinct Project is about more than just constructing a building—it’s about building a community. While the current financial situation may not allow for immediate construction, it doesn’t mean we should abandon the vision. My commitment to this project is rooted in a long-term perspective, recognising that with proper planning, strategic partnerships, and potential funding opportunities, we can lay the groundwork for a vibrant cultural future in Griffith.
The Arts Precinct is not just about serving the needs of today but about creating a foundation for future generations. It’s about making Griffith a place where people choose to live, work, and raise their families because they find a sense of belonging here. By fostering a strong arts community and advocating for cultural infrastructure, we can ensure that Griffith remains a thriving, dynamic place that attracts professionals and retains our youth.
This is why I persist in advocating for the Arts Precinct Project—not just for the art itself, but for the community it will help build. The arts provide more than entertainment; they create connections, foster creativity, and build a sense of home. And that, to me, is worth fighting for.
Authorised by Jenny Ellis, 5 Kooba Street, Griffith NSW 2680