The Old Ambulance Station comes to life
September 22, 2014
One of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic historical buildings, The Old Ambulance Station in Nambour, is set to be revitalised with a new brand and by hosting a program of events between 8 – 12 October, thanks to not-for-profit community group Sunshine Coast Arts Industry Precinct (SCAIP).
SCAIP Board President Michael Doneman said the five-day program of events will see The Old Ambulance Station come to life with art workshops, a seminar, exhibitions and concerts aimed at inspiring creativity and its links with commerce, and to support both emerging and established artists in the region.
“The new vision and brand for The Old Ambulance Station, which we fondly call ‘The Ambo’, will be unveiled over the five days and signifies the energy and positive engagement of artists and cultural workers to a venerable and repurposed building in Howard Street.”
“The Old Ambulance Station aims to engage with the Sunshine Coast community within the scope of ‘commercial sustainability’, bringing together training and early career support with actual employment experience by utilising the Ambo’s existing shops, offices, gallery, cinema and recording studio.”
“One of the exciting programs underway is a public art and graffiti management program called ‘Drawn Together’. This is a Sunshine Coast Council pilot program, funded under a grant from the Australian Government, organized and delivered by a team from The Old Ambulance Station.
An exhibition showcasing the results of the program will open at the Ground Zero Gallery at the Ambo on Friday, 10 October at 6pm and will feature artwork from the professional graffiti artists and local youth as part of this,” Mr Doneman said.
As part of the ‘Drawn Together’ program, Mr Doneman said a street art workshop was scheduled to run on Saturday, 11 October, showcasing the talents of local artists and inspiring the Sunshine Coast’s creative community to learn new skills.
“This workshop will be led by local artist Ryan Sullivan, who has extensive experience in street art projects and boasts a wealth of knowledge about the arts.”
“The workshop is free of charge and is open to both beginners and experienced artists, so we’d encourage anyone with an interest in design and the arts to come along.”
Mr Doneman said the newly-formed SCAIP Board had worked hard to create a safe, supportive and engaging creative environment in The Old Ambulance Station, and he was delighted to see the historical building full of life once again.
“Nambour has the potential to become a key creative and cultural hub on the Sunshine Coast and the support for developing The Old Ambulance Station has come about by necessity, as local business and local cultures adjust to the demise of primary production and the drift of capital and influence to the coastal towns,” Mr Doneman said.
“There are so many creative people within our community, but many are unaware that the Ambo can provide a meeting and working space for creative minds.”
The Old Ambulance Station is a multi-disciplinary art space incorporating office and retail spaces, training rooms, and space for workshops, rehearsals, performances and exhibitions. It offers creative business incubation and encourages peer-based learning through the sharing of ideas.
To find out more about The Old Ambulance Station, please visit www.theoldambulancestation.com, email info@scaip.com.au or call (07) 5476 0233.
// Ends.
Program of Events
Thursday 9 October – 2-4pm
“Creative Nambour: Smart development and development for smarts”, a discussion on how Nambour grows as a creative and cultural hub. Free event and open to all.
Friday 10 October – from 6pm
‘Drawn Together’ exhibition opening and launch of The Old Ambulance Station brand
Saturday 11 October – 10am – 12pm
Street Art workshop where you will learn stencilling techniques and create a street art canvas led by local artist Ryan Sullivan
Sunday 12 October – Time TBC
Local band Colourblind to perform all age’s concert in the Black Box Theatre
Media contact: Helen Perry – Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0431 065 964 E: helen@freshprm.com.au
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