The Territory Labor Government's plan to transform Katherine's Godinymayin and Yijard Rivers Art and Culture Centre (GYRACC) into a landmark facility has achieved another milestone, with the construction tender awarded to a well-known local building company.
Katherine Constructions has been awarded $6.7 million to bring an innovative design by Troppo Architects to life.
Upgrades at GYRACC will improve visitor engagement, operational efficiency and functionality; and support the Centre to develop new arts and cultural experiences for locals and visitors.
The design features an expanded amphitheatre for outdoor performances, as well as upgrades to improve the functionality of the centre for arts and cultural events. Works will also include:
architectural features that acknowledge the Aboriginal land on which the centre is built, and the important cultural connections with Aboriginal people;a flexible indoor and outdoor servery area leading onto an expansive timber deck for hosting and providing refreshments for visitors and event audiences;improved visitor entry and box office facilities;upgraded backstage facilities for performers along with a generous-sized retail area to sell local arts products; andnew office space and improved storage and security.
The project, which is progressing in consultation with the GYRACC board and local stakeholders, is part of the Territory Labor Government's $30 million Arts Trail Gallery Extension Program.
As part of this plan, another Katherine gallery, Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft, was officially opened in May following renovations.
Arts and cultural centres in Tennant Creek and Arnhem Land are also set to benefit from works that will help to position the Northern Territory as a global tourism destination for Aboriginal arts and culture.
GYRACC is expected to be completed by July 2023.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech:
"The Territory Labor Government values the Territory's arts, culture and creative industries and that's why we are modernising our regional galleries.
"Works will help to enhance economic growth in regional areas by creating jobs and boosting tourism.
"Godinymayin and Yijard River Art and Culture Centre is already a much-loved community hub, and these works will promote its creative and cultural diversity, and ensure it is at the top of the must-do list for national and international visitors."
Quotes attributable to GYRACC Chair Robert Friel:
"We are very excited that building works will commence shortly and we look forward to working with Katherine Constructions to complete the upgrades.
"The Troppo-designed upgrades will bring significant benefits and opportunities to activate the Centre, showcase works from the Big Rivers region and provide a stunning facility and experience as part of the Arts Trail as it develops."
