Please look after fabric of society

THERE has been much comment relating to the possible conversion of the beautiful Treasury buildings into a hotel. The buildings could be used as a community hub for groups currently spread all over Hobart and suburbs, usually notfor-profit groups who meet to share their knowledge and skills, but who increasingly find accommodation is hard to find and unaffordable. Funding is usually allocated to art groups who work in very different mediums. The groups I am thinking off include: The Hobart Embroiderers Guild (of which I am a member), spinners and weavers, lace makers, quilters, basket weavers, knitters, machine knitters, other textile art groups and writers. There are others who would benefit from a building shared by those who do not use paint or clay to make their lovely artwork. The organisation I belong to has had to cancel its exhibition as we no longer seem to fit the criteria used by Moonah Arts Centre. This is especially sad as we have held highly successful exhibitions at this affordable venue. Exhibitions are the way most small groups fund rent, workshops and insurance. The Treasury building would provide not only accommodation but a space to hold exhibitions without the heartbreaking process of writing submissions only to receive rejections. Prior to previous council elections I wrote to all candidates for Glenorchy and Hobart requesting use of the old Moonah arts centre or South Hobart Primary School. We are obviously the wrong demographic. I am not writing on behalf of any organisation but in the interests of the health and wellbeing these groups provide while building social connections adding to a better community. I have just read in the paper there are hopes for TMAG to save the Treasury building. This is good news for the community; maybe in the future some of the work our groups produce may end up in the museum as relics from our past!