All posts by Judith Buchanan

Art Deco Walks and Civic Hall Tours this weekend

Action, Event, News, Uncategorized

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TOURS OF THE INTERIOR OF THE HALL

***Council has just released an amendment to arrangements for the  Civic Hall Tours***

Civic Hall Tours are every hour on the half hour starting at 10.30am on Saturday and Sunday

 10.30,  11.30,  12.30pm,  1.30,  2.30,  3.30

Tours are limited to 8 people per tour and Hard Hats must be worn and Hi Vis vests.

Tours are to be booked at the Civic Hall only, so it may be a good idea to book your tour of the hall at the foyer and then go on to the Art Deco Walk or other Heritage Weekend events and come back.

The Art Deco walks will proceed as advertised….

***The Art Deco Walks are at 10.30am and 2.00pm on both days and are led by Robin Grow, President of The Art Deco and Modernism Society of Australia. The walks leave from the Civic Hall…put on your comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to be enlightened***

 

Civic Hall…stunning views under mood lighting..

Action, Event, News, Uncategorized

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TRANSITION EXHIBITION BY HERE STUDIO

Did you catch the Transition exhibition at the Civic Hall today?  The launch took place last night and the Grand Old Lady looked spectacular in her mood lighting.  The lighting captured and highlighted the ornate Art Deco features…The Embossed ceiling, the gorgeous suspended light fittings, rare, solid Otway Timber floor, original stage and drapes. and the bold geometric pillars.   The scene would have  been complete except for the boarded windows.  Could you imagine watching a concert or wining and dining at a function here at The Civic Hall complete with lighting and all the Art Deco fittings and features?  The hall has a presence that invites you in and leaves you wanting more…

This event marked the end of the 1st phase of the Community Design Process.  The 10 Concepts were on show and will be available for further viewing and feedback from this Tuesday….please post more comments at the Foyer on Tuesdays 9am-5pm and Thursdays 12pm-7pm.  The Here Studio Staff need to know what you liked or did not like about the concepts…they are not set in concrete and the next phase of the process will refine them down to 5 concepts based on your feedback and that of the whole community…so get involved!!

Thank you to Mairin Broidy and her hubby for creating this beautiful portrayal of what could be at the Ballarat Civic Hall.

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HERITAGE WEEKEND- THE CIVIC HALL INTERIOR WILL OPEN AGAIN FOR THE ART DECO WALKS

If you missed seeing the Transition Exhibition there will be another opportunity to view the interior of this magnificent hall  during the Art Deco Tours which commence at the Civic Hall.

Free tours will be conducted by Art Deco & Modernism President and Expert Robin Grow who will walk you through the hall and show you the significant collection of Art Deco buildings that  occupy Ballarat’s CBD.   Both Fascinating and educational…not to be missed!

Tours are on the Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May, 10.30 am and 2.00pm both days.

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THE PEOPLE’S HALL- CIVIC HALL…FROM EARLY CONCEPTS TO FUTURE POSSIBILITIES….

While you are viewing the Civic Hall at the Art Deco Tours be sure to catch the TASTER for The People’s Hall-Civic Hall, From Early Concepts to Future Possibilities Exhibition which will be at The Backspace Gallery June 4-21.  It is a free exhibition showing artworks, memorabilia, photographs and euphoria.  The taster is on the right hand side as you go into the Foyer of the hall.

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Want to see inside the Civic Hall?…open for the 1st time since 2012

Event, News

Transition Exhibition- revealing the 10 concepts of the 1st phase of the Community Design Process by Consultants…Here Studio.

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The Civic Hall will open for the first time since the tours of 2012 during Here Studio’s Transition Exhibition on the 2nd & 3rd May commencing at 10.00am.  The Hall will be open to the public on Saturday the 2nd May only.  The concepts will still be on show at the foyer of The Civic Hall and the Library.  You can get the details of this event and more at The Civic Hall by following the link below.

There will be a Launch for the Transition Exhibition  on Friday 1st of May at 6.00pm which may offer another opportunity to view the Main Hall.   The community is invited to attend.  For this event and others please RSVP at:

http://www.civichallsite.org/upcoming_events

While you are enjoying the Transition Exhibition make sure you look out for “The People’s Hall-Civic Hall…from Early Concepts to Future Possibilities” exhibition  taster…there will be a preview of some of the items that will be on show at the Backspace Gallery in Camp Street from 4th-21st June 2015

Art Deco Walks for the Heritage Weekend 9th and 10th of May

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We are excited to announce  that this  year’s  popular  Art Deco Walks  will offer guided tours of the inside of the Main Hall.   Led by The Art Deco and Modernism’s President and expert Robin Grow, the walks will depart from The Ballarat Civic Hall.  Tours are at 10.30am and 2.00pm on both Saturday 9th May and Sunday 10th May.  Ballarat has a wonderful collection of Art Deco Buildings so be sure to put this on your Heritage Weekend to do list.  Tours and Walks are free.  Here is the link to the Heritage Weekend tours.  We hope to see you at all of these fabulous Civic Hall events!

http://www.heritageweekend.com.au/tours.aspx

CIVIC HALL TOURS WILL BE INCLUDED ON HERITAGE WEEKEND

Event, News

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ART DECO WALKS INCLUDE GUIDED TOURS OF THE CIVIC HALL ON HERITAGE WEEKEND 9th and 10th May

Art Deco and Modernism Society President and Expert will be conducting The popular  Art Deco Walks on the 9th and 10th of May in 2015, which of course is the Mother’s Day Weekend.  Included will be tours of the interior of The Civic Hall as part of his walks.  This will be the 1st time the Civic Hall has been open since 2002.  It will also coincide with the end of the 1st phase of the Community Design Process currently in progress at the Open Door Studio at The Civic Hall foyer.

Don’t miss your chance to view this amazing Art Deco Style building which opened in August 20th 1956 and was used for the many events associated with 1956 Olympic Rowing held at Lake Wendouree and served the community for many decades.

The times will be 10.30 and 2.30 on Saturday and Sunday. 

While you are in the Civic Hall be sure to have a look and the many items that will be on show.  The 10 concepts of the 1st phase of the  Community Design Process will be displayed as well as a preview of  some of the items of the forth coming  “The People’s Hall-Civic Hall” Exhibition at The Backspace Gallery in Camps St …4th-21st May 2015

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The clean up work has commenced and  the pigeon poo has left the building.  Over the next few weeks the Civic Hall will  be prepared for Here Studio’s Transition to 10 Concepts Exhibition  in May.  We will post more details as they emerge.

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What’s On

These are Here Studio’s  upcoming events at the Civic Hall Site over the next week:

Tuesday 14th April

12-2pm Lunchtime Live Music with Christine Tammer

Thursday 16th April 

12-2pm Lunchtime Live Music with Christine Tammer

4pm “Hands On” Design workshop with Ballarat Youth Council

Call in to view  the Hall in a much more presentable state and say “Hello to the Here Studio Staff who are working very hard to present your ideas and preferences into the 10 Concepts which will be on view soon inside the main auditorium of The Civic Hall.  An event is planned so stay tuned for the details.

….better still why not sign up for a free weekly newsletter at:

http://www.civichallsite.org/

 

 

CIVIC HALL EVENTS…to suit all ages happening this week!!

Event, News

This weeks fabulous events by Here Studio at The Civic Hall:

The Civic Hall Community Design Process is progressing well with many community events on offer with something to appeal to everyone.

Children’s Workshop

This week begins the School Holiday and if you are looking for some free Children’s activities don’t miss the Children’s workshop on Thursday 2nd April 2015  1-3 pm for above 5 year olds…..hosted by acclaimed artist Pauline O’Shannessy Dowling..(POD) at The Open Door Studio in the foyer of The Civic Hall.  Please RSVP at the link below:

http://www.civichallsite.org/school_holiday_art_studio_with_pauline_o_shannessy_dowling_ages_5_above

A 7 year old's view of the Civic Hall
A 7 year old’s view of the Civic Hall

SCREENING/ SALT SEMINAR: Brian Eno & Danny Hillis…”The Long Now,Now” From 5-7pm Thursday at Here Studio, Civic Hall Foyer

A conversation between the Artist Brian Eno and the Inventor Danny Hillis, filmed as one of the SALT Seminars from the Long Now Foundation (longnow.org). Eno & Hillis speak about extreme long-term thinking and how it is being practically applied in the design of their joint project, The 10,000 year Clock.  Please RSVP at the following link

 

http://www.civichallsite.org/screening_salt_seminar_brian_eno_danny_hillis_the_long_now_now

Then make your way to Dana St at 7pm for Green Drinks this month features talks about the sustainability of Civic Hall…guaranteed to be a night of enlightenment.

Green Drinks at Mr Rede with guest speakers Ammon and Michelle from Here Studio and Andrew Lang from the World Bioenergy Association…not to be missed!

DATE: Thursday April 2nd, 

TIME: 7.00pm-9.00pm 

 

VENUE: Mr Rede, 203 Dana St, Ballarat (The Ballarat Club Building)

EVENT: Urban Sustainability and Ballarat’s Civic Hall 

http://www.greendrinks.org/VIC/Ballarat

An exciting event is planned at the end of April

On the April 24,25 &26 the 10 design concepts will be on public display marking the end of the 1st phase of the Community Design Process.   To mark the occasion an event is planned by Here Studio’s event planner Mairin Briody who is working hard to bring you something exciting.  The details have yet to be finalised.

It is hoped that cleaning of the hall by Council will  begin this week so it may be opened for Here Studio’s event at the end of April and for the Heritage Weekend Art Deco Tours on May 9th & 10th, led by Robin Grow, President of the Art Deco and Modernism Society of Australia.  Pigeons out …Humans in!!

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 “The People’s Hall” -Civic Hall

Our own exhibition plans are developing well and things are falling into place nicely for our exhibition at The Backspace Gallery June 4th-21st.  There will be a sneak preview of some of the exhibition items set up in The Civic Hall Foyer at Here Studio’s end of April Event.

Tickets from the very first and later balls, donated by Frank Martin
Tickets from the very first and later balls, donated by Frank Martin

 

 

 

“THE PEOPLE’S HALL” EXHIBITION PREPARATIONS ARE PROGRESSING!

Event, News

“The People’s Hall”

Exhibition at the Backspace Gallery from 4th June- 21st June 2015

Preparations for “The People’s Hall” exhibition are progressing nicely as we move into the sourcing, sorting and reviewing phase.   The exhibition aims to show the Civic Hall from inception to its  opening in 1956.  In its heyday it served the community with a variety of events and concerts, so lots of memorabilia will be on display.  Included will be items that portray the various contentious issues that surrounded the Civic Hall in recent times.   The story will be told through the presentation of artworks photographs, cartoons and memorabilia.

We are particularly looking for the following items:

  • Photos and memorabilia of events relating to the Civic Hall
  • Herbert Leslie Coburn architectural plans and drawings
  • Material relating to protest rallies at the Civic Hall
  • Posters of performances at the Civic Hall.

If you can help with any of these items please call

Merle Hathaway 0419 324042 / 03 5341 2751

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Stunning Art Deco programs that will be on loan from The Gold Museum

 

Clean Up Day at Ballarat Civic Hall this Sunday 1st March….Cake Anyone?

News

This Sunday 1st of March 2015 is Clean Up Australia Day and to celebrate we are going to clean up the Civic Hall Site.  Please bring your own gloves, afternoon tea, a drink and a chair to sit on in the park, rubbish bags are provided.   We can share this Save Civic Hall Celebration cake and an enjoy a chit chat…Alan who is a retired chef may even treat you to some of his famous scones.  The weather is predicted to be fine and cool…so come and join us and re-activate this site for the afternooon.

The event commences at 1.00pm.

http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/?Civic+Hall+Precient

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CIVIC HALL-CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY EVENT….ANOTHER COBURN ARCHITECTURAL ACHIEVEMENT

News, Uncategorized

A CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA EVENT AT THE CIVIC HALL

Please join us this Sunday 1st March at 1.00pm-4.00pm to clean up The Civic Hall site and then afterwards for a BYO afternoon tea and a chat in Civic Hall’s own  Pocket Park..please bring  your own gloves and a chair if desired.  Rubbish bags will be provided.

The weather forecast is showers clearing with an expected top temperature of 20 degrees so it should be rather pleasant in the afternoon….Hope to see you there!!

http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/?Civic+Hall+Precient

ONE OF BALLARAT’S LESSER KNOWN ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES

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Today, Merle, Judith and Barbara had the pleasure of a private  viewing of some documents from the  Ballarat Crematorium before and after it was built and opened in 1958.  This remarkable building resembles the Civic Hall and was designed by HL Coburn who designed The Civic Hall.  The building as it is seen today has had some modifications, however originally it was adorned in some beautiful Art Deco features.  Some of the features are still visible.  We are hoping to be able to display some of the Crematorium design artworks and photos for the up coming exhibition at the Backspace Gallery in June 2015.

Surrounded by beautifully kept gardens, The Cemetery Trust, staff and maintenance crew have done Mr Coburn’s building the justice it deserves unlike the Civic Hall which has been the victim of a “Demolition By Neglect” mentality by successive councils.  Hopefully this trend can be reversed by the Community Design process to find a suitable design for the retention of The Civic Hall…but it relies on your input!!

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THE OPEN DOOR STUDIO IN THE FOYER

The  Community Participatory Design Process is currently in progress in the foyer of the Civic Hall.  The future of the Civic Hall relies on participation by the community so if you have not visited the foyer yet, now might be a good time to do so as the consultants are nearing the 1st milestone in the process.  Multiple visits are also encouraged.

The opening hours of the Open Door Studio are as follows:

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CIVIC HALL IS NOMINATED FOR HERITAGE LISTING!

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CIVIC HALL IS NOMINATED FOR HERITAGE LISTING

Last Friday 13th Febraury 2015 on Community Radio Voice Fm’s World Radio Program,  President of the Art Deco and Modernism Society Of Australia, Robin Grow announced that the Society has lodged a nomination for the Ballarat Civic Hall to be included on Victoria’s Heritage Register.

The Civic Hall was nominated once before in 2012 by Ballarat’s Heritage Watch but failed to be accepted for Heritage Listing citing that it had Local significance only.   Heritage Victoria recommended that it should be listed on the Ballarat City Council’s own listing in its Heritage Overlay as it had considerable Local Significance rather than State Significance.

Since then after considerably more research more evidence supporting its potential for State Significance  has been revealed.  The Ballarat Civic Hall was the first hall to be built in Victoria which broke away from the traditional concept of being attached to a council office and administration building which is of Architectural significance.  It was the first stand alone Multi-purpose Hall that occupied its own site and thus set a precedent for many other Civic Halls around Melbourne and other parts of the state.  The Art Deco and Modernism Society feel that The Civic Hall is a worthy candidate for Heritage Listing.

The date for the hearing has yet to be announced.  We will post more information as it becomes available.  Here is the Heritage Victoria Hearings link:

http://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/hearings-appeals/registration-hearings/scheduled-registration-hearings/

You might like to view the website for The Art Deco and Modernism Society of Australia and keep up to date with their news on their conservation work throughout Australia.

http://www.artdeco.org.au/

 

REGULAR SEGMENT ON COMMUNITY RADIO 99.9 VOICEFM

The Civic Hall will be the topic of a regular monthly segment on Community Radio 99.9 Voice Fm and will be on air again this Friday 19th February at around 11.10am.  The segment is presented by Alan Steinman as part of Community Voices.

Catch up on all the Civic Hall News and the program will feature interviews, information and the music of the Civic Hall Performers.

Tune in to 99.9 FM on your dial.  If you are not near a radio you can get  streaming on your computer by downloading the App and listen to 99.9 VoiceFM Community Radio anytime and catch the program.   Just copy and paste this link into your browser:

http://www.voicefm.com.au/listen-live-online/

THE COMMUNITY DESIGN PROCESS CONTINUES

The future of the Civic Hall relies on you!  At the Open Door Studio in the foyer of  the Civic Hall,  the consultants are now entering the design phase of the process and need your feedback.

The Community Workshops took place two weeks ago and lots of ideas and concepts have been gathered and they will now begin to develop the designs.  Please keep calling in to the Civic Hall foyer to see the latest developments.  If you have not visited the foyer yet there are some great displays to view and the consultants are always happy to hear your views on the future of the Civic Hall.

You can sign up for the weekly newsletter at:  civichallsite.org

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CIVIC HALL DESERVES THE RESPECT IT IS DUE!….Civic Hall features on Radio program!!

News

Civic Hall deserves the respect it is due
Opinion Piece in The Courier  Wednesday, 11 Feb 2015 – Page 16

I am appalled to learn of the Ballarat City Council’s interference with regard to the community design process of the Civic Hall site.  I was under the impression this process would be an unbiased and independent study of the community’s attitudes and ideas towards finding a suitable design and integration of the Civic Hall.  It seems that I am living under an illusion. How very disappointing.
The hall can only be viewed from its entrance behind a glass partition. This gives the visitor a clear message “keep out” .

Basic cleaning did not even take place before the opening day of the foyer back in October. Was this to make the hall look worse than it actually is? 

Designer Mr HL Coburn would turn over in his grave at the abhorrent lack of respect for his work.   In this city, Mr Coburn was an outstanding citizen, architect and Councillor for 14 years.  He was mayor between 1945-46,during World War II, a most challenging term of office .

The plans were set in place for the promised Civic Hall in the 1930s, but could not be built due to the war effort that sucked up every penny from the city’s coffers and its citizens in the way of war loans.

Things were so desperate that public health infrastructure projects could not be undertaken as the then government would not release funds due to the increased demand for money for the war effort.   The Ballarat North sewerage works could not commence even though there was expected to be an influx of evacuees from Melbourne and elsewhere and they would be housed at unsewered properties through no fault of the home owner.  Authorities were touting vegetarianism due to the increasing “fly blitz” at the abattoirs. Funds would not be released to buy a cooling room for meat.

The Civic Hall is not just bricks and mortar, it is testimony to the perseverance of a long-serving Councillor and a community emerging from the darkest days of war with hope for a new way forward.  How disrespectful of the Council to even consider the demolition of this building, designed by a former Councillor whose works are held in high esteem and considered exemplary in architectural circles. Let’s hope we can find a way forward and give this building and its designer’s reputation the chance it deserves to serve the community once more.

*World War II facts are from The Courier articles of 1942.

JUDITH BUCHANAN 
Ballarat 
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Snapshots of Mayor Herbert Leslie Coburn (Les) from the 1945 Mayoral Report

World Radio Day- featuring Civic Hall

World Radio Day is this Friday 13th February 2015 and The Ballarat Civic Hall will be the topic of a three hour program presented by Alan Steinman on 99.9 VoiceFM Community Radio.

There will be interviews as well as music from the past performers of The Civic Hall will be played .  It will be a walk down memory lane with a stroll  into the 1950’s through to the 1990’s .  It is guaranteed to be topical and an informative update on issues surrounding The Civic Hall.  Tune into 99.9 Voice Fm on 9.00am this Friday…if you are not near a radio you can do streaming on your computer by downloading the app…just copy and past the link below.

http://www.voicefm.com.au/listen-live-online/

 

“Civic Hall- The People’s Hall “

Exhibition at the Backspace Gallery  4th -21st June 1015

Work on the exhibition is progressing nicely with lots of interesting items emerging.  A visit to the Gold Museum unearthed some wonderful artifacts that will feature in the exhibition.  We are still sourcing material and would be interested in hearing from the public if they have some memorabilia such as posters, photos, costumes etc..that they would be willing to loan for the exhibition.  If you have any items please call

Merle Hathaway  0419 324042 / 03 5341 2751

Here is a sneak preview of some of the historical items and programs that will be on loan from the Gold Museum displayed at the exhibition:

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