Win your way into a prestigious precinct space

Two local artists will each be offered a $4000 budget and six months of digital artwork installation space in the old Mackay Entertainment Centre (MEC) Box Office window as part of Mackay Regional Council’s move to further engage the community in its facilities.

The initiative, supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program, will provide local artists with a valuable opportunity to showcase their work, enable the innovative use of space and offer visitors to the new Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) a broadened experience of the arts during their visit.

Community Services and Facilities portfolio councillor George Christensen said it’s an exciting initiative which council is pleased to be in a position to offer. 

“Digital and electronic approaches to arts practice are growing in popularity in this region with graphic design and digital media courses available locally, however there are currently limited options for artists to create and display installation artworks in the Mackay region,” he said.

Since the MECC opened in July 2009, the old external box office has not been required.

“To put this vacant area to good use is a wonderful outcome for council and the community,” Cr Christensen said.

In previous funding years, the RADF Program has supported Digital Media Professional Development Workshops and this latest initiative will further support the growth of this artform locally.

Cr Christensen said it offers a high level of public exposure being located within the convention centre precinct.

Artists will be required to submit their digital installation proposal and design concepts to the Arts Development Officer, Mackay Regional Council by 4.30pm, Monday, November 30.

The two successful applicants will be announced in mid December 2009 and artworks will be on display in the box office window for six months each from January to December 2010.

For proposal requirements and information contact council’s arts development officer Fiona Bishop on 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 629) or email fiona.bishop@mackay.qld.gov.au.

This initiative has been made possible with support through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).  The RADF is a Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture. 

Contact: Victoria Lloyd

Phone: 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)