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Melville Community Arts Association Closure

29 June 2023

The Melville Community Arts Association has made the decision to cease operations due to significant financial liabilities.

The Melville Community Arts Association (MCAA) has made the decision to cease operations as of Friday, 30 June 2023, due to significant financial liabilities.
 
The MCAA and City of Melville officers are working together to progress ways in which Atwell House classes, including associated arts and community groups who have long-standing arrangements, can continue to access and enjoy the facilities beyond MCAA’s tenure.
 
In the interim, the City is supporting MCAA members with existing classes, exhibitions and bookings to continue to access the facilities. Members can register their interest in accessing existing bookings or classes by emailing arts.melville@melville.wa.gov.au  
 
The MCAA is financially independent from the City of Melville and remains responsible for any monies owed. MCAA is working to deal with its insolvency and thanks the community for their patience as resolutions are worked through. Questions about membership can be directed to their email admin@atwellarts.com.
 
The City will continue to progress its work towards developing the Atwell House Arts Precinct and remains committed to the independence and vitality of its community arts organisations and groups as an important part of our vibrant community. 
 
The City and MCAA thank the many friends, members and students of the MCAA for their support through more than 40 years. The MCAA have a long and proud history of service to the community and this will continue to resonate and serve the health and arts vibrancy of the wider community for many years to come.

President MCAA Brigitta Nowland                         Director Cultural Services Gail Bowman

Who is responsible for return of MCAA membership/classes money?
The Melville Community Arts Association is an independent organisation and is best placed to answer any queries regarding memberships. Their email is admin@atwellarts.com
What happens to my booked sessions/exhibitions/classes?
The Melville Community Arts Association is an independent organisation and is best placed to answer any queries regarding money owed for bookings, exhibitions or classes.
 
The City is supporting MCAA members with existing classes, exhibitions and bookings to continue to access the facilities. To register your interest in accessing existing bookings or classes please email arts.melville@melville.wa.gov.au  
 
The South of the River Potters Club at Karlup Ceramics Studio remains open for memberships and classes.
Why is the MCAA closing?
MCAA is an independent incorporated association organisation and not managed or operated by the City of Melville. All management and operational decisions have been made by MCAA, including their decision to close.
 
MCAA is best placed to answer any questions regarding their operational decisions and reasons for closure. Their email is admin@atwellarts.com
What is now planned for the building and the site?
The City will work with any associated arts and community groups who have long-standing arrangements to ensure they have continued access to Atwell House where possible.
 
The City will continue to progress its work towards developing the Atwell House Arts Precinct and remains committed to the independence and vitality of its community arts organisations and groups as an important part of our vibrant community.
What works are happening at the site?
The City is currently doing some maintenance works to the gardens and the buildings at the Atwell House Arts Precinct.
 
The City will continue to progress its work towards developing the Atwell House Arts Precinct and explore opportunities for continuing community and cultural enjoyment of the precinct for the future.
How does the City support independent arts organisations?
In line with our Creative Melville Cultural Plan, we are committed to supporting artists and creative industries, and contributing to thriving creative precincts.
 
We support a healthy and diverse arts ecosystem by investing in arts precincts and facilities, supporting programs for independent artists to participate such as Melville Open Studios, and fostering partnerships and networks with creative communities.
 
We also provide support to self-funded and independent arts organisations by:
  • Providing opportunities to share promotions through City channels, such as the City’s arts newspaper, the arts eNews and website What’s On Calendar
  • Facilitating access to volunteer databases
  • Hosting creative networking events to showcase Melville's creative spaces and create opportunities for creatives and artists to connect
  • Supporting greater participation in Melville Open Studios
  • Sharing creative professional development opportunities with arts organisations' staff and members
  • Sharing external grant funding and programming opportunities with arts organisations' staff and members
What is the Creative Melville Cultural Plan?

Our Creative Melville Cultural Plan seeks to realise the cultural potential of our city and was developed in consultation with arts organisations, stakeholders and the wider community. Through this engagement process, the community told us they wanted more opportunities to engage in arts and culture. The Plan sets out a holistic approach to cultural development across the City and includes investing in facilities to support creative communities, partnering with cultural groups, as well as developing an annual program of arts and events.

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