An Albanese Labor Government would revitalise Canberra’s beloved Gorman House Arts Centre in advance of the centre’s centenary in 2024, Labor politicians pledged.

Federal Labor would invest $5 million in additional funding to complement the ACT Government’s $8 million commitment at the last ACT election.

This investment would make Gorman House easier to access, improve safety of the building, boost energy efficiency, and deliver major heritage restorations, claimed Senator Katy Gallagher, Alicia Payne MP, and Labor Senate candidate Maddy Northam.

“Gorman House is a creative hub for Canberrans; home to a range of artists and cultural groups; and is a much-loved function space for community organisations,” they said.

 “The needs of this cultural centre have been ignored by the Liberals for too long, and Labor wants to ensure that it is fit-for-purpose for years to come.”

The politicians claimed Federal Labor’s investment would deliver upgrades to conserve heritage values and improve functionality at the complex, including high quality, safe, and inclusive workspaces for artists, as well as spaces for the community to experience art and arts activity.

 Gorman House was constructed in the 1920s as a hostel for government workers, and in 1984 was transformed to an arts centre.

 Since that time, it has been one of Canberra’s pre-eminent cultural spaces, bringing together emerging talent in visual arts, music, dance, and literature. It has earnt its place at the heart of Canberra artistic community, including as the current home of both the Canberra Youth Theatre and QL2 Dance.

 “Artists and the arts play a really important role in our community, and Labor believes that investments in this sector and centres like Gorman House will pay significant dividends to the Canberra community,” the politicians said.

“We know that the Liberals won’t support the arts. The Liberals systematically cut funding to the arts, and when the sector needed the government’s support the most during the pandemic, Scott Morrison and the Liberals abandoned them.

“Only an Albanese Labor Government will deliver policies and plans that ensure the vibrancy and sustainability of creative sectors, local artist markets, and institutions.”