Subject: Request for Inclusion of Dedicated Art Gallery Space in the Creative West Redevelopment 

Dear City of Maribyrnong, 

I am writing to express my concerns and advocate for the inclusion of a dedicated art gallery space in the redevelopment of the Footscray Library into the new Creative West (formerly NeXT Project). 

While I fully support the development of a performance space, I am disappointed to learn that the recent revisions have removed the initially proposed 700 sqm gallery and exhibition space. As an active member of the local artistic community, I understand the critical role that dedicated gallery spaces play in fostering and supporting both emerging and established artists. 

Currently, the City of Maribyrnong lacks a council-run art gallery, leaving our local artists with limited opportunities to exhibit their work. Surrounding municipalities, including Brimbank, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, and Moonee Valley, all have council-run art galleries that contribute significantly to the cultural vibrancy of their communities. These spaces are essential for showcasing a variety of artistic practices, from audiovisual to 2D, 3D, and contemporary art. 

I recently produced the Show Your WEST-SIDE Art Prize and Exhibition with the support of a City of Maribyrnong Love Your West Grant. This event highlighted the lack of suitable exhibition spaces within our municipality. While I am grateful for the use of the Footscray Connectivity Centre, it presented numerous challenges, including limited accessibility, weekday-only opening hours, the need to remove artworks during other events and the space is on temporary loan to Multiplex from Victoria University.

Footscray is widely promoted as a thriving arts and cultural hub, and I believe that the redevelopment of Creative West presents an opportunity to reinforce this identity. I propose that the council prioritise the inclusion of a low-cost performance space alongside a dedicated art gallery and exhibition space in the new library rebuild. Perhaps a compromise could be reached with a smaller performance space to accommodate the addition of an art gallery. 

Creating a thriving creative community requires spaces where local artists can share their stories and showcase their work within their own community. Utilising hallway walls is insufficient for meeting the needs of our artists and the broader community. 

I believe the City of Maribyrnong can become a cultural hub by providing our artists with the resources and spaces they need to thrive. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to seeing our municipality flourish as a hub for the arts. 

Please see the video from the Opening Night of the Show Your WEST-SIDE Art Prize and Exhibition

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/oev3seh2428wyt97td9ph/Show-Your-Westside-Art-Exhibition.mp4?rlkey=djvfw3ybyhtpv5rsyy7r80dre&dl=0

*when signing the petition, please change the postcode to show your local support.. Thank you!

Sincerely, 

Sally Walshe 

LaDY MoHaWK 

Sally@ladymohawk.com.au 

Instagram @lady.mohawk

0404253386