At the southern end of Sydney Road Brunswick is a flourishing arts community. “Council supports the arts throughout Moreland, and now has a major role to play to build on existing assets by creating an arts precinct at the southern end of the City,” said Councillor Andrew Rowe.
“The aim is to capitalise on the arts facilities that already exist in that area, to enhance them and their contribution for all Moreland residents.”
The suburb of Brunswick, and Sydney Road in particular, has undergone changes in recent years. Many old ‘pubs’ have undergone facelifts creating new opportunities as entertainment venues, while the popular shopping strip hosts a large variety of restaurants, featuring cuisine from all over the world.
The annual Brunswick Music Festival attracts thousands of residents and visitors from all over Melbourne to see local, national and international performers. As a result, artists and musicians have moved into the City with shops and other activities reflecting this and other changes.
“Because of local governments’ commitment, Moreland will attract more artists,” Councillor Rowe said.
Council aims to create more opportunities for showcasing local talent, making the arts community more visible. It will incorporate the historic Mechanics Institute and part of the former Brunswick Town Hall to provide exhibition space and performance venues.
Strengthening the arts will bring economic benefits throughout the City in terms of increased economic activity bringing more trade for other businesses.
“Sydney Road has a vibrant atmosphere where many people congregate to shop, chat, dine and socialise,” Andrew Rowe said. “We envisage an Arts precinct which will attract people from other parts of Moreland and further afield to come by and see what is happening. The aim is that there will always be something happening.”
