The forced closure of the highly popular fine art gallery in Imbil has prompted the managers to build their own arts hub in the Mary Valley town.
Construction of a Mary Valley arts and cultural hub encompassing the Art on Yabba Fine Art Gallery will begin at the Imbil Heritage Railway Precinct in Imbil as soon as funding is approved.
For Mary Valley Artslink, this project resolves the need to relocate the Art on Yabba Fine Art Gallery to a permanent venue, and also responds to the growth and needs of the arts and cultural sector in the Mary Valley.
President Heinke Butt said the need to relocate had opened the door of opportunity to build “bigger and better” arts facilities in the valley.
She said the project – at around $60,000 – was an exciting major investment and anticipates opening the new hub in September, 2024.
Art on Yabba celebrated its first anniversary in October last year. It has presented 16 exhibitions including solo and group exhibitions for emerging and established artists from this region and further afield, hosting official exhibition openings monthly.
The gallery space has also become a venue for creative industry participants such as poets and choirs, and indicates a clear need for an art and cultural space in the Mary Valley.