Education hub named at MAMA

An education hub at MAMA has officially been named the Commonwealth Growth Centre Education Suite.

Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the Federal Government secured the naming rights with $300,000 funding made available through the Community Development Grants Program.

She said this built on the Federal Government's $3.5 million contribution to help redevelop this "fantastic arts centre and learning space".

Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley opened the art museum last October and today visited a Mini MAMA’s Messy Mornings art class that was being held in the Commonwealth Growth Centre Education Suite.

She said art education would be a strong focus at MAMA.

“MAMA has the capacity to stage major national and international exhibitions with large scale installations as well as community style art festivals,” Minister Ley said.

“The new education suite will provide students with access to these world-class gallery facilities as well as three flexible learning spaces, a meeting room and two wet-spaces for studio work.

“The Education Suite has been decorated with specific design features which enhance the learning environment for students, including load bearing suspension in the ceilings for displaying sculptural works and magnetic walls painted in whiteboard paint.

“The learning space will develop and inspire new artists well into the future and will also provide opportunities for teacher development programs, distance learning and virtual online exhibits.

“MAMA is now the cornerstone of Albury’s cultural precinct with many retail and café spaces opening up in the surrounding area.”

AlburyCity Acting Mayor David Thurley said the Commonwealth Growth Centre Education Suite at MAMA was an important hub where the people of all levels of ability could explore their love of art, take classes and expand their skills.