Footscray Community Arts Centre

How did Footscray Arts 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 Henderson House precinct 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?
Our major funders are the Australia Council for the Arts, Arts Victoria, Maribyrnong City Council, and VicHealth. Specific Footscray Arts programs are funded by the Adult, Community and Further Education Board and the Department of Human Services.

How can I learn about the latest Footscray Arts activities?
You can subscribe to our e-news to keep up-to-date with the latest Footscray Arts projects and activities.

Where can I park when visiting Footscray Arts?
There is limited free parking onsite. Street parking is also available. This 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).

Is Footscray Arts accessible for wheelchairs?
Footscray Arts is wheelchair accessible with the exception of the Amphitheatre, the lawn area facing the Maribyrnong River and the lower Pit Theatre.

Do you have any school holiday workshop programs?
We do not have a school holiday program, although we do run some workshops during school holidays.

How can I hire a space at Footscray Arts?
We have spaces for hire in Henderson House. Spaces available include the bluestone Basement Theatre, a rehearsal room, and an adjoining foyer and kitchen. These spaces are suitable for a range of activities including performances, conferences, rehearsals, workshops, forums and weddings.

Due to the construction of our performance centre, spaces in the Warehouse are not available for hire in 2006.

For more information about venue hire, contact Mary Bereux, our Office Coordinator, by email reception@footscrayarts.com or phone 03 9362 8888.

Do you have equipment available for hire?
Equipment hire is available for events staged at Footscray Arts. For more information, contact Darren Gee, our Information Technology Coordinator, by email darren@footscrayarts.com or phone 03 9362 8851.

Do you have onsite catering?
Catering is available through our onsite café, The Happy River Café.

Can I stage an event in the Amphitheatre?
Yes. The Amphitheatre is public land and free for use by members of the community. To avoid clashes for Amphitheatre usage, Footscray Arts takes bookings. If kitchen, toilet and other Footscray Arts facilities are required, a charge will apply. To book the Amphitheatre, contact Mary Bereux, our Office Coordinator, by email reception@footscrayarts.com or phone 03 9362 8888.

I'd like to hire an artist/group for a project/event??
If you wish to hire an artist or group associated with Footscray Arts, contact David Everist, our Program Coordinator, by email david@footscrayarts.com or phone 03 9362 8802.

Depending upon the type of artist you are looking for, there are many organisations that can refer you to suitable artists. For example, the City of Maribyrnong's Arts and Cultural Register lists people who live or work in the City of Maribyrnong and are involved in any arts activity. You can download the register here. In addition, the website for Multicultural Arts Victoria contains details for artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

How do I apply to stage an exhibition in the Gabriel Gallery?
To enquire about staging an exhibition in the gallery, contact David Everist, our Program Coordinator, by email david@footscrayarts.com or phone 03 9362 8802.

I?m developing a performance/exhibition/event. Can I stage it at Footscray Arts?
To enquire about staging productions at Footscray Arts, contact David Everist, our Program Coordinator, by email david@footscrayarts.com or phone 03 9362 8802.

So what is ?community cultural development? anyway?
Community cultural development (CCD) is a very complex term. Each component concept within this term itself has multiple weights and meanings (eg the term "culture" is used widely and usage can differ greatly according to the context).

In a very broad sense, CCD involves the collaboration of artists and communities to engage with art. These artistic activities might involve a particular artform or span multiple artforms. There is no one accepted process or model for CCD projects.

If you are interested in doing some further reading about CCD, you can visit websites such as the Community Arts Network website (its reading room contains many different essays and relevant links). You can also find discussions of CCD practice at websites such as www.ccd.net

How do I become a member of Footscray Arts?
We're glad you asked. See our Support page for further information.

How do I donate money to Footscray Arts?
We're definitely glad you asked. See our Support page for further information.

Can I volunteer at Footscray Arts?
As our team of experts is currently developing the world's best volunteer program, you are not able to volunteer at Footscray Arts just yet. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities in the western region of Melbourne, contact Volunteer West on 03 9687 7661. To find out more information about volunteering opportunities in Victoria, visit the Volunteering Victoria website.

Are there any jobs available at Footscray Arts?
From time to time, employment positions at Footscray Arts do arise. We will advertise vacant positions on this website and via other relevant industry networks.

Can I do work experience at Footscray Arts?
We have limited work experience places available from time to time. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information about doing work experience at Footscray Arts, contact Bernadette Fitzgerald, our Workshops Coordinator, by email bernadette@footscrayarts.com or phone 03 9362 8810.

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