Footscray Community Arts Centre
We acknowledge that we are on traditional lands of the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands and, through them, to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Frequently asked questions
How did Footscray Community Arts Centre begin operating?
In 1973, a group of local art enthusiasts developed a vision for an arts centre for the communities of the western region. Peter Green (a drama teacher at the Footscray Institute of Technology) and members of an interim arts committee set up a temporary community arts facility in a vacant detergent factory opposite Victoria University of Technology in Ballarat Road, Footscray. George Seelaf (a local activist and a prominent figure in the union movement) and his peers secured funding for programming from the Australia Council and the Victorian Arts Council. In 1975, Footscray Community Arts Centre was incorporated. In 1977, George Seelaf led these local activists in saving the the 1872-built former residence and piggery Henderson House from demolition. They successfully lobbied for works to be done to the site so that it could become the permanent home for Footscray Arts. In 1996, an adjoining warehouse, formerly belonging to Ryco Engineering, was refurbished by the City of Maribyrnong as an additional space for our programs.
How is Footscray Arts funded?
The major funders of Footscray Community Arts Centre are the Australia Council for the Arts, Arts Victoria, Maribyrnong City Council and Sydney Myer Fund. Specific Footscray Arts programs are funded by the Adult, Community and Further Education Board and the Department of Human Services. Footscray Arts also receives considerable in-kind assistance from Bikini and is helped along by kind pro bono consultants, donations and the funds from a membership program.
How can I learn about the latest Footscray Arts activities?
You can subscribe to the monthly Footscray News email newsletter, eNews, to keep up-to-date with the latest Footscray Arts projects and activities. The home page of this website also has details of upcoming events and links to the latest news.
Where can I park when visiting Footscray Arts?
There is limited free parking onsite. Street parking is also available, and includes two-hour meter parking on the east side of Moreland Street (80 cents/hour) and all-day parking on the west side of Moreland Street (80 cents/hour or $3.50/day). Footscray Arts is also very accessible by public transport. See How to get here section of this website for more details
Is Footscray Arts accessible for wheelchairs?
Footscray Arts makes every effort to ensure wheelchair accessibility for all, however at present the Amphitheatre, the lawn area facing the Maribyrnong River and the lower Pit Theatre are not wheelchair accessible. For further access details please contact Nikki Zerella, Producer, Access Programs on 9362 8888 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Can I bring my children to Footscray Community Arts Centre?
Footscray Arts welcomes people of all ages and it is a great place to bring the kids. Throughout the year the Centre offers workshops and holidays programs aimed at children as well as many family-friendly events. You’ll often find parents and children enjoying the outdoors in front of the Happy River Café at Footscray Arts.
Do you have any school holiday workshop programs?
Footscray Arts runs a hugely successful School Holiday Arts Program for kids. Click here for more details. There are also many opportunities for your child to explore their artistic side throughout the year with the Footscray Arts Creative Kids workshops. Click here for more details.
How can I hire a space at Footscray Arts?
Footscray Arts has spaces for hire in Henderson House. Available spaces include:
- the bluestone Basement Theatre with river-facing windows and polished boards. This multifunctional venue comfortably seats up to 90 people.
- a rehearsal room with a blue stone feature wall suitable for bands or smaller musical groups and with an adjoining foyer area and kitchen.
These spaces are suitable for a wide range of activities including performances, conferences, rehearsals, workshops, forums or weddings.
Due to the construction of the new Footscray Arts art spaces, facilities in The Warehouse are not available for hire in 2009.
For more information about venue hire, contact Jennie Glover, Venue Coordinator on 9362 8811 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Do you have equipment available for hire?
Equipment hire is available for events staged at Footscray Community Arts Centre. For more information, contact Jennie Glover, Venue Coordinator on 9362 8811 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Can I stage an event at Footscray Community Arts Centre?
To enquire about staging productions at Footscray Community Arts Centre, contact Bec Reid, Producer, Arts & Community on 9362 8888 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Can I stage an event in the Amphitheatre?
The Amphitheatre located in the Footscray Community Arts Centre grounds. This venue is very popular and bookings are necessary. If your event requires the use of the Centre’s facilities including the kitchen, toilets or any Footscray Arts equipment then extra charges will apply. To book the Amphitheatre please contact Jennie Glover, Venue Coordinator on 9362 8811 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Do you have onsite catering?
Footscray Arts has a fabulous our onsite café, the Happy River Café, which is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8am – 6pm. Catering can also be arranged. To contact the team at the Happy River Café please phone 9689 3244.
I’d like to hire an artist/group for a project/event, can Footscray Arts help?
If you wish to hire an artist or group associated with Footscray Arts, contact Bec Reid, Producer, Arts & Community on 9362 8888 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Depending on the type of artist you are looking for, there are many organisations that can refer you to suitable artists. For example, the Maribyrnong City Council’s Arts and Cultural Register lists people who live or work in the area and are involved in any arts activity. You can download the register here.
How do I become a member of Footscray Arts?
Footscray Arts membership is available to anyone interested and offers you the chance to become more involved in the Centre’s activities and organisation. For full details of membership benefits and rates visit the Members page of this website.
How do I donate money to Footscray Arts?
Donations to Footscray Arts are essential to ensure the ongoing viability of the Centre and Footscray Arts is very grateful for any kind supports. Although a donation program is currently only in development, individuals can certainly contribute financially to Footscray Arts. For all the details visit the Supporters page of this website or phone reception on 9362 8888.
Are there any jobs available at Footscray Community Arts Centre?
From time to time employment positions at Footscray Arts do arise. Any vacant positions will be advertised on this website and via other relevant industry networks.
Can I do work experience at Footscray Arts?
Footscray Arts has limited work experience places available from time to time. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information or to register your interest please contact reception on 9362 8888 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
