Ballarat Arts Alive is the key body representing artists and arts people of Ballarat and district.

Today it released a BAA open letter Civic Hall concerns. This expresses its opposition to recent proposals which would seriously impact on future usage and viability of the Civic Hall.

The latest plans include immediate blocking off the stage and dressing rooms, green rooms etc, irreversibly changing the foyer by adding a kitchen and pseudo Art Deco spiral staircase, and dividing the balcony in to four sections to make tiny theatrettes.

Major professional arts organisations have also expressed concern for these aspects.

Ballarat Arts Alive has found no support in the general or arts community for the above changes, which would also seriously impact on the integrity of the 1956 architecture.

Read all about it!