CURTAIN GOES UP AT CPAC
Cyclone adds drama as new era dawns with $71.5m theatre
THE predatory behaviour of Cyclone Owen has provided a dramatic backdrop to tonight’s long-awaited opening of the Cairns Per- forming Arts Centre.
The heaviest of falls from the approaching storm are likely this afternoon but it will not stop Mayor Bob Manning from finally celebrating the official opening of the $71.5m theatre.
Bogged down by politics, union issues and fire safety concerns over the past three long years, all of that will be cast aside as the Cairns region marks the start of a new era in performing arts from today.
It’s been a long journey but now we have reached the summit as we celebrate the opening of the new Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
We’re immensely proud of this achievement.
When Cairns Regional Council set on this path, we had two key objectives: creating a dramatically enhanced audience experience and a stage for our local talent to shine.
When our predecessors opened the former Cairns Civic Theatre 44 years ago, they would no doubt have had the same mandate. A lot has changed since then. Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace and our population has trebled.
So while many people focus on the statistics, the number of seats or changing rooms, the width of the wings and height of the proscenium, I look to the benefits.
What CPAC means to our community.
This is the place where music, drama, humour and dance will all be celebrated on centrestage.
Cairns residents can finally enjoy a full ballet or symphony, and be awed by the dramatic sets and lighting effects that are part and parcel of the mod- ern theatre experience.
Perhaps more important is the opportunity that has been created for our young talent — they will be able to cut their teeth in a state-of-the-art theatre and perform in front of crowds of nearly 1000 patrons.
With the building blocks they need to reach their full potential, our kids will be confident to reach for the stars.
Delivering The Precinct — the combination of CPAC and Munro Martin Parklands — is just the first step on our journey.
But it’s not the first step or the last step that matters. It’s the next step.
In that vein, this council has unabashedly set the goal of being the arts and culture capital of the north.
This wonderful new facility married with Munro Martin Parklands, the Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns Museum and upcoming Gallery Precinct will stand us in good stead to deliver that vision.