Jennifer Pittorino
Maribyrnong artist Sally Walshe also known as ‘LaDY MoHaWK’ has created a petition to include a community art gallery in the new Footscray library.
The change.org petition directed at Maribyrnong council expresses her concerns about a dedicated art space not being included redevelopment of the Footscray library into the new Creative West (formerly NeXT Project).
Amassing more than 130 signatures, Ms Walshe said she started the petition when she noticed the plan for the proposed 700 square metre gallery and exhibition space had been removed.
“Maribyrnong council sent out a survey showing what the previous proposal was, the size of the build and now what they are proposing for the future,” she said.
“In the new plan there is no longer an art gallery.”
Ms Walshe said she has been trying to advocate for a community art gallery space for a while.
“I’ve been living in Footscray, around Footscray for about 10 years and I’ve been complaining about there not being a truly inclusive community art gallery for local artists,” she said.
“I am disappointed to learn that the recent revisions have removed the initially proposed 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.”
Ms Walshe said there needs to be an art gallery in this new build because it will bring people into Footscray to help support local businesses.
“It’s not just about art, it’s about truly representing our community by helping bring that community together and injecting life and money into our local community and struggling businesses in Footscray,” she said.
“It’s bigger than just an art gallery, If we’re going to have a cultural space we need to have it all together in the centre of Footscray to inject life into the centre and that’s going to have a flow on effect on other neighbouring suburbs and the whole municipality.”
Maribyrnong council said it was unable to respond until it received the petition.
Details: shorturl.at/btzA5
