A PLACE FOR ARTISTIC CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION

WHAT IS THE BARN?

The Bathurst Arts Residency NSW (BARN) will be a place for creative development, rehearsal and training. It is primarily a facility for the development of new works or rehearsal of existing works as opposed to a performance venue for finished product such as Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre. It is a forward-thinking project with a unique range of attributes which will position the Bathurst Region as a centre of international performing arts development and enhance the reputation of Bathurst and the Central West of NSW as a leader in the field of the creative arts.

This strategy explores much needed fit for-purpose creative spaces, provides accommodation and hospitality options while presenting expansive programming and ‘state of the art’ hire opportunities. This will not only benefit the local region but has the potential to connect on a national and international context and be a leading model.
Executive Director, Regional Arts Australia

The design for the BARN allows for the facility to be used by a diversity of groups across multiple artistic forms, and will consist of purpose built facilities:

• A main workspace with enough height for circus, sprung floor for dance, acoustically suited to unamplified music and spoken voice, with natural light and views but with potential for blackout, walls that take projection, dressing rooms and storage.
• A large adjacent outdoor development space, with on-site catering, dining/networking space plus office, amenities and laundry.
• A breakout space and workshop.
• The design also encompasses new accommodation with ensuite rooms, accessible rooms as well as utilising the existing share accommodation of the Chifley Dam Cabins.

WHO WILL USE THE BARN?

The BARN will be used by a diversity of groups including school camps, local performing artists, regional and metropolitan based artists and international exchange projects.

It will provide the opportunity for individuals, groups and companies to have an unhindered space to create new work, explore ideas, test propositions, build relationships and engage in critical thought and to receive feedback from peers and audiences.

When not in use for arts projects it presents an ideal corporate retreat for the growing regional business events market and will be offered as a conferencing space as well as a picturesque venue for wedding receptions, product launches and other similar and suitable hire activities.

WHY WILL THE BARN BE BUILT AT CHIFLEY DAM?

The proposed site of the BARN was selected based on the stated preferences of potential site users and hirers for a secluded, yet easily accessible, facility.

The specific requirements for a fit-for-purpose facility to meet the needs of industry and of current and future users and ensure longevity of use and reasonable return on investment obliged construction of a new purpose-built facility.

Chifley Dam was identified as the ideal site as it utilises a Council owned and operated site, including existing accommodation which would be utilised by facility users.

WILL THE BARN IMPACT OTHER ACTIVITIES AT CHIFLEY DAM?

The BARN will not negatively impact any other recreational activity at Chifley Dam. Group sizes will be relatively small, and the facility will be self-contained and separately situated. The facility will not place any strain on current infrastructure, including roads, water and septic operation.

The site will not have a negative impact on the environment or the aesthetics of the Chifley Dam area. The facility will utilise the existing accommodation of the Chifley Dam Cabins, however this will be a positive economic outcome allowing for improvements to be made to the cabins and will not displace visitors during peak summer periods.

The project has the prospect of enhancing the visitor experience of Chifley Dam through potential development of interpretive cultural walks as well as hosting cultural activities including public showings of work in progress at the BARN.

WHAT WILL THE BARN COST TO CONSTRUCT AND TO OPERATE?

Project and operational costs have been assessed and estimated by external specialist consultants.

Construction of the BARN will be fully funded by external sources. Currently, $4,780,489 has been provided by the NSW State Government
through the Creative Capital Program, with total project cost estimated to be $9,029,000. Bathurst Regional Council is seeking additional funding from the Federal Government, and the project will only progress if this capital funding is made available.

Once operational, the facility is estimated to have total operational and overhead costs of $157,656 per annum with direct commercial revenue estimated at $201,560 per annum. This revenue does not include the indirect economic impact of the facility on local businesses, local employment and increased tourism value.

HOW WILL THIS BENEFIT THE BATHURST REGION?

The BARN is a “significant cultural infrastructure project for Bathurst that will shape its future as a destination for arts and culture in NSW and enhance experiences for artists, locals and visitors alike”. (The Hon. Paul Toole, MP). It will provide immediate and ongoing benefits to the Bathurst region through:

Economic Benefit – The business model for the BARN shows the facility generating a commercial return every year. The facility would also be a positive contribution to the regional visitor economy through increased travel, accommodation and increased spending at local businesses. The indirect benefits would compound in the Bathurst economy with return visitation, flow-through spending and job creation. Cultural infrastructure is consistently shown to have a positive economic impact on their surrounding area.

Cultural and Social Benefit – The Arts are an integral aspect of human existence, and the BARN will be a nationally important addition to the creative economy and will support the development of new artistic works. There are no comparable facilities located in regional NSW. The BARN would connect regional communities and individuals, with Bathurst at the centre of a major creative hub. The facility would bring special direct benefit to local artists, providing them with increased access to development space and providing incentive to remain in their local area. The BARN will improve cultural equality by providing more people with access to arts and cultural opportunities. Providing school camp week residencies will have an ongoing positive educational impact.

WHAT SUPPORT IS THERE FOR THE PROJECT?

The initial funding application for the BARN was supported by 14 local, 20 state and 16 national arts workers and organisations and is also supported by the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation. The project retains the strong support and endorsement of the Arts community.

Too often we see young creatives move away from the regions due to the perceptions that there are fewer opportunities for work. As a young professional artist, I am delighted to support the proposed Chifley Dam Facility, and I am extremely excited at the change it could affect on both a local and international scale.
Local independent artist