THE board of Stanthorpe’s Artworks on Davadi has announced the centre will close on 17 October.
The community space has been looking for bigger premises for six months after the building they currently rent was bought by supermarket giant Aldi, but failed to find anything they can afford.
“It is ironic that Artworks’ success has contributed, in a way, to its demise,” board chairman Harley West said.
“Needing a new space to house all the groups, classes, workshops and individuals has meant that we needed a larger space and as such the rent is prohibitive for a not-for-profit organisation.”
Former Artworks committee chairman James Massey said it was with great sadness that the board had taken the decision to close the doors on a place that has become the creative and community heart of Stanthorpe.
“The amazing thing about Artworks is that it began as a one-month lease when the building became the venue of an art exhibition which celebrated International Day of People with a Disability in 2011,” Mr Massey said.
“That exhibition, ‘State of Mind’, was a resounding success.
“From this small beginning the lease was then extended to three months, then a year and now, almost three years later, Artworks is very much a part of the Stanthorpe community.”
Over the years Artworks has held numerous exhibitions, film nights, art and creative workshops.
It has become the home of the Thursday art group, Stanthorpe Amnesty, Ukulele players, Yoga classes, U3A classes and other meetings.
Artworks has also partnered with local employment agencies to support marginalised people to re-enter the workforce and the community through volunteering in the cafe.
It has been successful in attracting philanthropic funds for three consecutive years from the Tim Fairfax Foundation and last year won the State Government’s Creative Spaces and Places award.
“The saddest thing for me is the number of people, who are often socially isolated, who come in, some daily to have a cuppa and a chat. Where will these people meet?” Artworks co’ordinator Leisa Cavallo said.
Community members are invited to attend a “farewell bash” with music, food on Sunday 12 October, from 1pm.
