Albany Entertainment Centre officially opened

The new Albany Entertainment Centre (AEC) has been officially opened by Western Australia's Culture and the Arts Minister John Day.

Minister Day said it was one of the most exciting new performing arts centres in Australia, stating âthe magnificent new Albany Entertainment Centre is a landmark facility for the Great Southern, and represents a $70million investment by the (Western Australian) Government, in partnership with the City of Albany.

"This is a major step forward in the cultural and social development of this region, as it offers a purpose-built venue with fine acoustics and outstanding technical equipment.

"As well as providing a fantastic venue for local and regional performers and companies, a facility of this quality and size will ensure that first-class artists and performers from across Australia, and even overseas, can be enticed to perform in Albany."

Capacity audiences are expected for the AEC's first performances with around 2,300 people set enjoy four performances, involving more than 200 local performers, during the next four days.

Minister Day said there had been significant positive feedback about the centre, which had already attracted bookings from local, State and national touring companies for 2011, adding âthe fully-booked Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra simulcast last month was highly successful and the recent community open day attracted close to 7,000 people.

He added "representatives of the State's premier arts organisations, who visited the venue recently, were also extremely impressed and very excited about the possibilities it offers.

"I'm sure the people of Albany and the Great Southern will embrace this wonderful facility and the opportunities and benefits it will bring to the entire region."

The AEC will be managed and operated by the Perth Theatre Trust through its agent AEG Ogden (Perth) Pty Ltd for two years.

In September, the WA Government approved funding of $3.96million to cover the centreâs initial operating costs. The City of Albany will make a financial contribution of $803,000 towards the operational costs of the AEC over the next two years.

The AEC features the 620-seat Princess Royal Theatre, the flexible 200-seat Kalyenup Studio, and a cafe overlooking the harbour.

The AEC is featured in the November/December 2010 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

25th November 2010 - GALA CONCERT TO CELEBRATE ALBANY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE OPENING