The former Jamie’s Kitchen in d’Arcy Doyle Place in Ipswich Central is set to reopen as the new Ipswich Art Workshop, an arts hub for the city’s creative community.
Ipswich City Council Chief Executive Officer Sonia Cooper said council has approved the name of the new visual art studio on the recommendation of the Ipswich Arts Advisory Group (IAAG).
“IAAG recommended that the space be named the Ipswich Art Workshop, as it complements existing names of surrounding cultural assets such as the Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich Civic Centre and Ipswich Community Gallery,” Ms Cooper said.
“The name clearly states what it is for the community and avoids confusion with other existing privately-owned spaces that have studio and art space in their business names.”
Council adopted the new name at its ordinary meeting on Friday and also approved the IAAG’s recommended approach to initial activation through a diverse range of activities and workshops.
A variety of workshops will allow council to gauge community interest, both from the wider Ipswich community and the local creative community.
“The initial activations will include weekend and evening classes and workshops programmed by the Ipswich Art Gallery designed to align with Art Gallery and Community Gallery exhibitions, and ad hoc masterclass workshops organised to enhance the skills of local artists,” Ms Cooper said.
The former Jamie’s Kitchen has been decommissioned as a training kitchen, with all cooking equipment and appliances removed, with stove tops, ovens, cooking equipment and small appliances transferred to charity organisation GIVIT and will be provided to community organisations.
“Transformation of the space to a visual art studio quickly commenced, with new benchtop workspace installed, plumbing facilities serviced and internal and external painting,” Ms Cooper said.
“Local ceramist Jane Du Rand connected council with Brisbane Boys Grammar School, which donated used equipment to the new studio such as tables, stools, map/plan drawers, a printing press, camera tripods and a photography backdrop. We are extremely grateful for this equipment.
“The transformation of the space is planned for completion by early March 2024.
“The next steps will include a call-out for artists to submit expressions of interest and engagement with artists for programming of classes.”
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