THE transformation of an iconic Leeton building into an art gallery and museum has attracted positive feedback, but there have been some concerns also.
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In recent years Leeton Shire Council has been one organisation that has tapped into the importance of the arts and cultural community.
With this in mind, it was able to purchase the former Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission for $1 from the state government.
It has transformed part of the building to be an arts space, while the other half is a museum showcasing Leeton's history with a strong focus on water.
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The museum is yet to be officially opened.
The building will also be the headquarters for the Leeton Family and Local History Society.
Leeton artist Jason Richardson was pleased to see arts on the agenda, but did have some questions.
"It is disappointing council's draft operational plan for 2020-21 only hopes to realise one exhibition at the new gallery in the next financial year," he said.
"Even with social-distancing there is much more that can be achieved.
"The proposed rate of $50 per hour for hire of the gallery is shocking, since $50 was the cost for each of those dozens of exhibitions in the Roxy Artspace (when it was operational in 2012-13."
Mr Richardson suggested council establish a program that makes community facilities available to local artists.
He said those outcomes would contribute to an application for operational funding through Create NSW to support further development of the arts in the shire.
"Ideally, seeking funding from grants is a better approach for generating income from community assets, rather than asking the community to pay to attend events they already pay to make happen ... particularly through the wages of council staff," he said.
"Why not make it easier for the community to exhibit local art?
"I encourage Leeton Shire Council to look at the broader value to be gained from assisting creative expression in our region."
