FRANKSTON: Award for Arts Centre
Frankston Arts Centre has been named Australia’s Performing Arts Centre of the Year.
The national accolade was awarded by PAC Australia, the national peak body representing performing arts centres, presenters and producers.
The award celebrates excellence in arts leadership, new thinking and best practice, with a focus on lasting impact in communities.
“It recognises more than three decades of bringing people together through arts, culture and shared experiences and celebrates the staff, artists, performers, community groups, and audiences who have helped make the venue one of the nation’s most valued cultural assets,” said a Coun-cil representative.
Mayor Cr Sue Baker said the award was a proud moment for the Frankston City community.
“For generations of Frankston residents, the Arts Centre has been the backdrop to special moments and lasting memories.
“It’s where people have attended their first concert, watch-ed their children perform on stage, celebrated milestones, discovered new artists and shared unforgettable experiences with family and friends,” she said.
“This award belongs to everyone who has been part of that journey, from our dedicated staff and volunteers to the artists, performers, community groups and audiences who have helped make the Arts Centre such a special part of Frankston City’s story.
“To see that contribution recog-nised on a national stage is something our entire community can be proud of.”
PAC Australia Executive Director Katherine Connor said the Frankston Arts Centre’s success reflected its strong connection to community.
“Their commitment to inclusion, accessibility and creativity has made the venue a genuine place of belonging, while their work in schools, health settings and public spaces beyond the venue shows how a performing arts centre can meaningfully embed the arts in community life and truly contribute to the heart and cultural positioning of a city,” she said.
For more than 30 years, Frankston Arts Centre has played a central role in the city’s cultural life.
Pictured: The winning team at Frankston Arts Centre