Student’s design for Lake Macquarie arts hub comes to life

Construction has begun on a $2 million arts hub at Lake Macquarie designed by University of Newcastle student Samantha Bailey.

Dubbed Multi Arts Pavilion (MAP), the project consists of a hybrid stage for a variety of performances along with spaces for contemporary arts installations, digital art screens and audio presentations. It will also have a paved courtyard for outdoor activities such as markets and events, and a licensed café.

Lake Macquarie City Council held a design competition with the University of Newcastle in 2018. Undergraduate student Samantha Bailey’s concept was chosen from a pool of 90 submissions. Bailey has been working with University of Newcastle lecturer Chris Tucker and other students in collaboration with Council and the NSW Government on the project.

“We want to build an immersive experience that creates a connection between location, art and audience that visitors won’t find anywhere else,” said Jacqui Hemsley, Lake Macquarie City Council’s manager of arts, culture and tourism.

“MAP is an agile and flexible venue in a high-use location. It will be an ideal stepping-stone for emerging artists, and a platform to present alternative productions to new audiences.

“We will be hosting engaging, experimental and unusual works and public programs from local, national and international artists. MAP will form part of the newly established Lake Arts Precinct, an arts and cultural hub in northern Lake Macquarie featuring the recently renovated Museum of Art and Culture and the Creative Lake foreshore art tourism trail.”

University of Newcastle vice-chancellor Alex Zelinsky said, “We can’t wait to see Samantha Bailey’s design come to life.”

The council is calling for expressions of interest for two major public art installations – a light installation on the exterior of building, and an installation in the grounds of the surrounding Speers Point Park.

The Multi-Art Pavilion is jointly funded by the NSW government through its Regional Cultural Fund and the Lake Macquarie City Council.