A GROUP of artists last week made an impassioned plea to Maribyrnong councillors, asking for help to secure a new home as their 20-year run at a riverside studio and exhibition space comes to an end.
Artists from the Maribyrnong River Edge Arts Movement (MREAM) filled seats at last Tuesday’s Community Access and Strategic Policy Meeting, asking for the council’s guidance in identifying an affordable, suitable studio space once their lease runs out in August.
At the moment the group is in a building in the Moreland Street arts precinct, which had been owned by the council but was sold to a private developer who plans to convert it into apartments.
The group made a presentation to the council, outlining its contribution to local art, life, culture and Footscray’s social fabric. The group is the subject of an ABC documentary and a camera crew filmed proceedings.
One of the artists, Karenne Rees, told the councillors; “We can’t do this alone” and said that the search for a new home had been a “huge distraction” for artists who would prefer to concentrate on their work.
“We add value and creativity,” said another of the presenting artists, Cathy Muhling. “It’s an important part of our life and I think it should be valued.”
Councillor Michael Clarke said MREAM had “done a great deal to put Footscray on the map” and the group should be helped in whatever way possible – but he noted the council was subject to budget constraints of its own.
Councillors voted unanimously to assist MREAM in its search for a new home and made a commitment to try to move the group within the City of Maribyrnong.
Mayor Michelle MacDonald suggested the council check whether funds could be drawn from the $50 million allocated under the State Government’s Footscray Transit City Renewal Project, which is aimed at improving the area around Footscray station.
