Moonah Arts Centre


Moonah Arts Centre is a publicly funded multi-arts hub in Moonah, Tasmania, a northern suburb of Hobart. Since opening on 6 March 2015 at a cost of AU$4 million, the centre stages exhibitions, live music, theatre, workshops and community festivals year-round. MAC is owned and operated by the Glenorchy City Council.
WWW moonahartscentre.org.au

History

Moonah Arts Centre began in 1994 in the former Moonah Community Hall at 65 Hopkins Street, becoming a focal point for community arts in Hobart’s northern suburbs.
Growing patronage prompted Glenorchy City Council to pursue a larger venue; Commonwealth and state grants, secured in part through federal MP Andrew Wilkie helped fund the new facility on Albert Road from 2013.
The centre opened to the public on 6 March 2015 with performances and a group exhibition that ABC News described as “the perfect complement" to the nearby Museum of Old and New Art.

Building

Designed by Morrison & Breytenbach Architects, the building received the Alan C Walker Award for Public Architecture, and the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture, at the 2015 Tasmanian Architecture Awards.
The two-storey complex articulates four principal volumes: the “light box”, “sound box”, “treasure box” and an open courtyard in contrasting cladding and form. Galleries can combine for large shows or divide for smaller installations, while a black-box studio hosts music, theatre and film. Inclusive design features include ramped access, hearing loops and all-gender amenities; sustainable measures range from passive solar orientation to recyclable aluminium façades.
Outside the entrance stands Frida’s Carload, a mosaic-tiled sculpture by Tasmanian artist Tony Woodward that has become a local landmark.

Programme

Ongoing series

  • Friday Nights Live, a continuing concert series featuring Tasmanian musicians.
  • Glenorchy Open Art Exhibition, an annual community survey show established in 2018.
  • Moonah Music, free family-friendly live-music afternoons held monthly.

Selected exhibitions (chronological)

  • 2021 – Interplay, a craft and design showcase of local makers.
  • 2022 – The Soup Collective, Church of Harridans Witnessers, exploring queer ageing and religious discrimination.
  • 2023 – Treasured Lives, a group exhibition on hoarding and mental health produced with Anglicare Tasmania.
  • 2024 – Dance of Colour, an international exhibition by Ukrainian folk artist Anna Mykhalchuk.

Festival partnerships (chronological)

Governance and funding

Moonah Arts Centre is owned and funded by Glenorchy City Council. Capital costs for the 2015 building totalled million, comprising council funds, a federal contribution of million and a state grant of million.