The brand new Fleurieu Arthouse in the City of Onkaparinga in South Australia is providing local artists with the support they need to create and sell their work.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg said the Fleurieu Arthouse in McLaren Vale would foster commercial opportunities for local artists and further strengthen the area’s position as the premier arts region in South Australia.
“The idea is that artists can set up their practice on site, and sell from the same location as a shop front,” Mayor Rosenberg said.
“This is about realising the economic potential of arts in our community, for the benefit of the artists themselves and the region as a whole.”
Local artists and business owners Anna Small and Warren Pickering won a competitive tender to manage the arthouse for the next three years.
Funding of $70,000 has been provided by the City of Onkaparinga, but it is planned that the space will continue as a self-funding enterprise beyond that.
“We want this to be a place for people to create, understand and connect with art, and a base from which local artists can commercialise what they’re doing and derive an income from their passion and talent,” Ms Small said.
Mayor Rosenberg said the idea for the project came to her from conversations with artists throughout the city in recent years.
“Council already provides the Port Noarlunga Arts Centre and the beautifully renovated Sauerbier House as focal points for art exhibitions, performances, events and education,” she said.
“The Fleurieu Arthouse is the missing piece of the puzzle, providing a support mechanism for artist to earn a living from their artwork.”
