Gallery moves to Rowe’s

THE Toowoomba Gallery is moving to the redeveloped Rowe’s complex on Victoria Street next month following its successful launch as part of Toowoomba Regional Council’s Creative CBD Toowoomba program.

It comes after the councilendorsed trial program that involved leasing vacant CBD commercial spaces to creative enterprises in partnership with Renew Australia.

The Toowoomba Gallery was one of five businesses in the program.

Co-creative director Niki Hall said she and her business partner Bec Statton were able to take the plunge to test their concept to open the initial Ruthven Street store due to the support provided by the Creative CBD Project.

“The Renew Australia model allowed us to pursue our dream of opening a gallery and an interior design studio, servicing residential and commercial clients,” Ms Hall said.

“We will continue to operate a studio space, alongside our interior design services at the new location to share our passion for art and design.”

The Toowoomba Gallery is the second business to make a move after the trial ended.

Multimedia, design and marketing agency Rare Squid Creative launched its venture with photographer Theresa Hall in the former Toowoomba GPO in Margaret Street in May and has since taken on a residency program at the University of Southern Queensland.

The program had attracted 1562 visitors to 44 events that were held at participating venues.

“New life was breathed into previously vacant CBD properties in Margaret and Ruthven streets,” Mayor Paul Antonio said.

“The council was pleased to have been able to help promote business renewal in creative industries across Toowoomba’s CBD.”