Mary Valley arts group secures lease to build new arts hub

Published on 12 June 2025

The Mary Valley arts community is excited for the future with local group Mary Valley Artslink Inc. successfully securing a lease over Council land beside Imbil Library for the development of a community arts hub.

Mary Valley Artslink is a not-for-profit community organisation that is focused on building culture and the arts across the Mary Valley. The group has actively been searching for vacant land to construct a building of its own.

Mayor Glen Hartwig said the partnership was a great example of community and Council working together to improve offerings in the region.

“Council is proud to support this local cultural activity. Staff from across the organisation have been working together to provide guidance on planning, building and leasing arrangements for the community space,” Cr Hartwig said.

“The construction of a community led, designed and managed arts space will contribute to a thriving arts sector and enhance cultural tourism in the area."

The Divisional Councillor for the area, Cr Gordon Maudsley said he was very happy to support this opportunity, stating it will be a great attraction for Imbil.

Mary Valley Artslink has already undertaken extensive fundraising and secured significant grants over several years to support an arts and cultural hub. Further funds will be raised by the group to undertake the construction of the proposed community facility.

President of Artslink Heinke Butt said the space had been designed to encourage collaboration, innovation and productivity.

“It has been recognised that engagement with the arts enriches the lives of regional Australians and creates stronger, healthier and more cohesive communities.”

Mary Valley Artslink Inc. organise two major festivals held in the region, the Mary Valley Art Festival and the Mary Valley Scarecrow Festival. This hub will also provide a permanent home for their Art on Yabba fine art gallery and a community space for all facets of the arts.