More than a decade of telling local stories was celebrated on February 21 at the launch of the Redland Art Gallery and Redland Performing Arts Centre’s 2018 program.
It was a significant launch for both centres which celebrated 10 and 15 years respectively.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch MP said whether it was weaving, music or performing arts, the arts told many stories and was a way of offering change and power.
“I don't think there is a full understanding of how powerful our collective stories can be, as told through the arts. They reach so many people. We can celebrate these stories. It is a true gift to tell them and to be touched by the programs that offer them,” she said.
Herself a descendant of the Quandamooka people, Ms Enoch said the Redlands had an arts program that had been fostered and grown and that everyone should be proud of.
Mayor Karen Williams said the celebrationas much about the building as the people in it who offered dance, visual arts, comedy and a place to come together to celebrate significant occasions.
“The art gallery and the performing arts centre are part of our cultural DNA,” she said.
Cr Williams said last year 51,000 people attended shows at RPAC which as 300 per cent higher than attendance in the centre’s maiden year.
“This is an incubator for local talent and a place to grow,” she said.
Creative Arts Manager Zane Trow listed copious reasons for having an art gallery and art centre, among them accessing works not otherwise available locally.
“This is an epic and intimate space which has professional value for many services. It offers a unique social and entertainment opportunity to showcase and develop talent with reliability and accountability,” he said.
Mr Trow acknowledged the resident RPAC groups including Redland Sinfonia, Redland City Choir and indelibility theatre company as well as thanking sponsors and partners of both arts spaces.
“We contribute to this city with high profile arts activities. I think this is the flagship for local culture and a platform for the development of the CBD. I think our model is where the arts needs to be in this country,” he said.
Director Redland Art Gallery Emma Bain said this year there were 17 exhibitions at Cleveland and seven at Capalaba as well as floor talks and openings.
The launch concluded with a performance by the Australian String Quartet.
