Having been successful in the first Expression of Interest round to obtain $2 million plus GST as a grant from Create NSW, the Friends of the Liberty Theatre and Cultural Centre, as an incorporated association, has been invited to submit an application to secure the funds needed to restore the Art Deco building as a theatre, performance space and multi-purpose cultural centre.
The Association is now calling for wider community sponsorship and in principle support from the new Yass Council. This, combined with a band of skilled and enthusiastic volunteers can transform the heritage Art Deco building into an attractive asset to the main street of Yass and a valuable community meeting space for entertainment and education.
Few people realise glancing at the building now, the Liberty built-in 1939 was state of the art for its time complete with air conditioning and carefully designed interior. The acclaimed theatre designer Guy Crick who designed the building ensured “All things must harmonise” hence the soaring space, curving forms, mouldings rimming the ceiling, ruby pink feather patterned carpet and ocean liner style metal stair railings of the interior, all of which will be carefully preserved in the restoration project.
The Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the Liberty Theatre and Cultural Centre Inc. will be held on March 5 at 2 pm at the Theatre. The public are encouraged to become members and be a part of this amazing project which has the potential to bring so much benefit to the district. Already the well-known
Sydney based National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) along with recognised film companies have expressed their support and interest in utilising the refurbished space for workshops and events.
We welcome the community to help raise the $60,000 for preliminary engineers and architect fees for the grant to ensure a positive result for the community. Annual subscriptions can be made through Treasurer Ian Wearing at wearing.1@bigpond.com – $20.00 Single; $50.00 Family; $250.00 Corporate.
We would also like the members of the community who attended the Liberty Theatre meeting on the November 27 2021 to email bimbiturner53@gmail.com to receive updates on our progress to date.
By Bimbi Turner
Photo: Liberty Theatre Friends – David Campbell, Bimbi Turner and Ian Wearing
