No. 16

ESTABLISHMENT SUPPORT FOR WORLD-CLASS GLASSWORKS

The ACT Government has earmarked $1.6 million over four years to support the Canberra Glassworks in its establishment phase, Minister for the Arts Jon Stanhope has announced.

The funding will decrease over time as the Canberra Glassworks — scheduled to open in December this year — finds its feet and begins to raise funds from its own activities.

The ACT Government has previously provided capital works funding of $11.1 million to convert the former Kingston Powerhouse into a contemporary glass centre providing world-class infrastructure for the production of glass art.  Located in the heart of the Kingston Foreshore Cultural Precinct, the Canberra Glassworks is expected to become a significant cultural attraction for locals and tourists alike.

Mr Stanhope said the Budget allocation of $1.6 million over four years would fund the management and programming costs of the centre, as well as its day-to-day operations and visitor programs.

“The Canberra Glassworks will be a spectacular facility and a great attraction,” Mr Stanhope said. 

“The central attraction will be the spectacle of hot glass-blowing in the centre’s Hot Shop, that visitors will be able to observe from a raised walkway. There will be guided tours explaining glassmaking processes and opportunities to meet renowned glass artists. Members of the public will be able to participate in workshops and visitors will be able to view local and visiting exhibitions of glass art and buy local glass products.

“The ACT Government will provide much needed support to the Canberra Glassworks while it becomes established in its early years, but it is expected that the centre will become increasingly self-sufficient over time.”