Arts centre step closer

By SHAUN INGUANZO
A PERFORMING arts centre in the Dandenong Ranges is one step closer to reality following last week’s announcement of a sponsorship scheme aimed at raising funds for the building.
Monbulk MP James Merlino and State Arts Minister Mary Delahunty visited Burrinja community arts centre in Upwey last Tuesday to announce the Foundation Members scheme to help raise funds for an adjoining performing arts centre.
“There is no purposebuilt performing arts space in the Dandenongs available to our schools, local artistic groups or professional touring companies,” Mr Merlino said.
“The proposed facility would be a fully functional theatre with seating for 400450 people, making it available for more organisations and schools to use.”
Mr Merlino said the Foundation Membership scheme offered three levels of sponsorship in exchange for benefits once the performing arts centre was established.
“The new Foundation Membership is set at three different levels, Gold at $1000, Silver at $400 and Bronze at $200,” he said.
“Foundation members will receive a plaque on the back of a prime position theatre seat, acknowledgement on a Foundation Members Board in the foyer of the performance space, invitation to an opening performance or event and ticketing benefits.”
Mr Merlino said he had already signed up as a founding member.
“I am very proud to be the first person to pledge Gold level support for this vital initiative.”
Mr Merlino said there was no limit to the number of Foundation Members allowed, but those who could not afford the scheme could become a Burrinja ‘Jarmbi’ a friend of Burrinja.
Mr Merlino said the plans, estimated to cost about $6.5 million, were yet to be costed before applications for State Government funding were made.