Moonah Arts Centre (MAC) is a publicly funded multi-arts hub in Moonah, Tasmania, a northern suburb of Hobart. Since opening on 6 March 2015 at a cost of AU$4 million, the centre stages exhibitions, live music, theatre, workshops and community festivals year-round. MAC is owned and operated by the Glenorchy City Council.
Moonah Arts Centre began in 1994 in the former Moonah Community Hall at 65 Hopkins Street, becoming a focal point for community arts in HobartâÂÂs northern suburbs. Growing patronage prompted Glenorchy City Council to pursue a larger venue; Commonwealth and state grants, secured in part through federal MP Andrew Wilkie helped fund the new facility on Albert Road from 2013. The centre opened to the public on 6 March 2015 with performances and a group exhibition that ABC News described as âÂÂthe perfect complement" to the nearby Museum of Old and New Art.
Designed by Morrison & Breytenbach Architects, the building received the Alan C Walker Award for Public Architecture, and the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture, at the 2015 Tasmanian Architecture Awards.
The two-storey complex articulates four principal volumes: the âÂÂlight boxâÂÂ, âÂÂsound boxâÂÂ, âÂÂtreasure boxâ and an open courtyard in contrasting cladding and form. Galleries can combine for large shows or divide for smaller installations, while a black-box studio hosts music, theatre and film. Inclusive design features include ramped access, hearing loops and all-gender amenities; sustainable measures range from passive solar orientation to recyclable aluminium façades.
Outside the entrance stands FridaâÂÂs Carload, a mosaic-tiled sculpture by Tasmanian artist Tony Woodward that has become a local landmark.
Moonah Arts Centre is owned and funded by Glenorchy City Council. Capital costs for the 2015 building totalled million, comprising council funds, a federal contribution of million and a state grant of million.