SENATOR KATY GALLAGHER
SENATOR FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY 

ALICIA PAYNE MP
MEMBER FOR CANBERRA

MADDY NORTHAM
LABOR CANDIDATE FOR THE SENATE

FEDERAL LABOR TO INVEST IN A MORE CREATIVE CANBERRA

An Albanese Labor Government will revitalise Canberra’s beloved Gorman House Arts Centre in advance of the centre’s centenary in 2024.

This investment will make Gorman House easier to access, improve safety of the building and boost energy efficiency as well as deliver major heritage restorations.

Federal Labor will invest $5 million in additional funding to complement the ACT Government’s $8 million commitment at the last ACT election.

Gorman House is a creative hub for Canberrans and is home to a range of artists, cultural groups and is a much-loved function space for community organisations.

The needs of this cultural centre have been ignored by the Liberals for too long and Labor wants to ensure that it is fit-for-purpose for years to come.

Federal Labor’s investment will deliver upgrades to conserve heritage values and improve functionality at the complex including high quality, safe and inclusive workspaces for artists as well as spaces for the community to experience art and arts activity.

Gorman House was constructed in the 1920s as a hostel for government workers and in 1984 was transformed to an arts centre.

Since that time, it has been one of Canberra’s preeminent cultural spaces, bringing together emerging talent in visual arts, music, dance, literature. It has earnt its place at the heart of Canberra artistic community, including as the current home of both the Canberra Youth Theatre and QL2 Dance.

Artists and the arts play a really important role in our community and Labor believes that investments in this sector and centres like Gorman House will pay significant dividends to the Canberra community.

We know that the Liberals won’t support the arts. The Liberals systematically cut funding to the arts and when the sector needed the government’s support the most during the pandemic, Scott Morrison and the Liberals abandoned them.

Only an Albanese Labor Government will deliver policies and plans that ensure the vibrancy and sustainability of creative sectors, local artist markets and institutions.

Attributable to Senator Katy Gallagher:

“Gorman House holds a special place in the community fabric here in the ACT and I am proud to be able to commit to this funding that will support Canberra’s vibrant arts community.”

“It’s been a really tough couple of years for the arts sector and they were abandoned by the Morrison Government.

“Only a Federal Labor Government would make sure that Gorman House is fit for purpose and in a state to inspire the next generation of creatives in Canberra while remaining true to the rich heritage of the building.”

Attributable to Alicia Payne MP, Member for Canberra:

“Canberra has a strong and vibrant arts sector, which was totally abandoned by the Morrison Government during the pandemic.

“Gorman House has a long history of inspiring and nurturing artists.

“This funding announcement will help encourage exciting ideas and breathe new life into the arts sector after some very difficult years.”

Attributable to Maddy Northam, Labor Senate Candidate for the ACT:

“Gorman House has always been a strong part of the community, from its beginnings as workers accommodation to the role it plays for our vibrant arts community. Canberra is proud of its history and its future, but all that Zed Seselja and the Morrison government do is de-fund our cultural centres. I’m proud that an Albanese Labor Government will fund and support Gorman House Arts Centre, investing in a more vibrant and creative Canberra”

WEDNESDAY 18 MAY, 2022