New $4 million visual arts and creative industry hub opens at Geraldton CRTAFE

Geraldton creatives now have a sparkling new facility to hone their skills and bring their artistic visions to life instead of being forced to travel to the city to pursue their dreams. The $4 million state-of-the-art visual arts and creative industries hub at Central Regional TAFE Geraldton will be used to deliver training for fashion and textiles, graphic design, pottery and other arts courses to ensure students graduate job-ready. The campus’ aging facilities have been refurbished, expanded and installed with a new roof. The centre now includes modern art studios, workshops, classrooms and a technology space. It was designed by local architecture firm Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects, with construction completed by Crothers Construction. The centre was officially opened on Friday by Education Minister Sue Ellery, who said it was a marked improvement on the previously “dark and dusty” arts space. “This impressive new facility will make it possible for locals from right across the Mid West region to stay close to home and train in contemporary new arts facilities in Geraldton,” she said. “It is important that students learn in settings that replicate what they will find in the real world when they go out to work in industry ... or set up their own business. “We know that so many students want to learn and train where they live and it is an important part of sustaining strong regional economies.” Ms Ellery said the centre was “beautifully designed”, highly functional and would encourage more students to engage in creative industries courses.