The Andrews Labor Government is supporting local creative industries along the Surf Coast, with a former Torquay sports stadium redeveloped into a thriving creative hub.
Delivered after a $240,000 investment from the Labor Government, the new Multi Arts Centre (MAC) has been transformed from a former sports stadium to a dedicated arts facility – providing a space for local artists and performers to create, collaborate and showcase their work.
The space will be used for local theatre shows, art exhibitions, live music gigs, literary and other creative events, offering Victoria’s Surf Coast community a new cultural destination.
Delivering new spaces for exhibitions and performances, the purpose fit-out includes gallery lighting, furniture and fixtures, as well as theatre lighting, trusses and transportable raked seating for 100 people.
Set to become a dynamic creative hub drawing thousands of visitors to the region, the Torquay MAC is located within a busy business and tourism precinct. It was delivered with input from local creative community organisations, including Surf Coast Arts Space, Torquay Theatre Troupe and MAC Inc.
The funding was provided through the 2020/21 Victorian Budget as part of a $34.7 million regional creative infrastructure package – supporting local creative industries and giving Victorians more creative opportunities wherever they live. Surf Coast Shire Council also contributed $60,000 to the fit-out project.
To find out more about the Torquay Multi Arts Centre, visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos
“The Surf Coast Shire is home to extraordinary creative talent, including award-winning theatre-makers, artists, writers and other creatives who now have a space to call their own - and where locals can come and enjoy their work.”
“We’re breathing new life into old buildings and creating vibrant cultural destinations across the state, supporting local businesses and offering visitors even more reasons to discover the best of regional Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing
“The Torquay Multi Arts Centre is a game-changer for the Surf Coast community, bringing people together and allowing the vibrant arts community to share its talent with locals and visitors to the region.”
Quote attributable to Surf Coast Shire Mayor Libby Stapleton
“The success of the MAC is testament to the passion and talent of our local arts practitioners and demonstrates the value of facilities that serve as a home for creativity, enterprise and collaboration.”
Quote attributable to Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
“This is a wonderful example of how we are transforming vacant and underutilised spaces for creative use, providing artists with the facilities they need, while delivering buzzing creative hubs for the wider community.”
Reviewed 05 September 2022