NEW FACILITY IS FOR EVERYONE AND NOT JUST CULTURAL ELITE, SAYS COUNCILLOR

THEATRICAL elitism has been thrown to the wind by one Cairns councillor keen to make “versatility and flexibility” the cornerstones of the new Cairns Performing Arts Centre. Division 5 councillor Richie Bates said the $71.5 million venue was perfectly suited to a broad range of performing arts. “As a councillor I’m hearing that Munro Martin Park is ‘off limits’ for many acts,” he said. “Council need to ensure they are not developing an elitist mentality detrimental to emerging and non-traditional art forms.” “The advantage of CPAC and The Precinct is that they can offer for a wide range of experiences and this will be pivotal in meeting the emerging trends in performing arts venues.” Cr Bates called for the general public to be allowed to choose what acts performed in their city, rather than being spoonfed from the top end of town. “While interest and attendances in some of the classical performing arts have been in decline, there is still a strong demand for more contemporary productions,” he said. “We need to respond to the changing nature of entertainment and not just offer diversity, but also give the public a greater say in determining the programs.” He suggested greater focus on the use of light and video animation via LED projection or other similar technologies. “Council has already successfully forayed into this art form, and CPAC can provide the perfect blank canvas for further work,” he said. “Ultimately, the success of the facility will depend on its adaptability and Council’s willingness to embrace these attributes and the performances they allow.”