Sunday, October 6, 2024

Rockhampton council delivers museum

Construction of the Rockhampton Museum of Art building has come to a close, with Rockhampton Regional Council today revealing a first glimpse inside the legacy project.

The Rockhampton Museum of Art received funding from all levels of government, and is set to open its doors in early 2022.

Deputy Premier, Steven Miles said the $36 million museum had been funded with $15 million through the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions program and through Arts Queensland investment.

“Queensland Government’s support in this critical cultural infrastructure in Rockhampton is delivering the state’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19, creating jobs for local tradies and supporting local businesses and local suppliers,” the Deputy Premier said.

“Funding through the Building our Regions projects are designed to create and sustain long-term employment in regional Queensland and this new Rockhampton Museum of Art will do just that when it opens in early 2022.”

Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts, Leeanne Enoch said the new gallery delivered on the Queensland Government’s investment and support of the arts sector in regional communities, showcasing Queensland artists, sharing our stories and highlighting the important role of cultural infrastructure.

“The economic boost and employment opportunities of this key development project goes beyond the construction industry to include the arts sector and broader Rockhampton region and will continue to grow Queensland’s creative future,” Minister Enoch said.

“Thanks to Queensland’s positive health response and the release of Queensland’s COVID Vaccination Plan to Unite Families, the Rockhampton Museum of Art will be in a strong position to support cultural tourism and welcome interstate and international visitors when the Gallery opens.”

Rockhampton Region Mayor, Tony Williams said it was fantastic to reach this stage of delivery of the new Rockhampton Museum of Art.

“Our community has had a front row seat as this building has been constructed right in the heart of our CBD,” said Mayor Williams.

“There have been over 900 tradespeople involved over the life of this project – from demolition of the previous buildings to the completion of all building works.  

“It’s been a huge project, but walking through the building it’s clear that it has absolutely been worth it. There is so much potential here for our community, and at the moment this building offers an incredible blank canvas.

“Over the next few months we’ll move in one of the most significant regional collections of Australian modern art, and prepare to open the doors of this major arts hub to our community early next year.

“This project is a credit to what we can deliver for our community when all three levels of government work together.”

Rockhampton Museum of Art is funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund; the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and through the Building Our Regions program; and Rockhampton Regional Council.

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