Amphitheatre opens as part of $7.6 million Katherne Arts and Culture Centre transformation

The Northern Territory Government’s $7.6 million transformation of Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre in Katherine was celebrated last night at the grand opening of its new amphitheatre.

The completion of the expanded stage and open-air venue for professional outdoor performances is an exciting milestone for the Katherine arts and culture centre, which now boasts more modern facilities for performers and visitors.

NT Minister for Arts Jinson Charls noted “the ability to experience a performance under the Territory’s vast, starry sky in this stunning space is something truly special, and I have no doubt it will leave a lasting impression on visitors and locals alike.”

The evening honoured the late Balang T.E. Lewis, a Murrungun man and world-renowned actor, singer, songwriter and cultural leader.

The Darwin Symphony Orchestra, which is touring the NT for the first time in a decade, delivered the inaugural orchestral performance in the new amphitheatre.

The upgrade forms part of the NT Government’s $30 million Arts Trail Gallery Extension Program which seeks to modernise regional galleries and rebuild the economy through local jobs and economic growth for the Territory through construction, arts and tourism.

On average, the Katherine and Daly region attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year who spend around $264 million in the region, including 13% of visitors engaging in Aboriginal art and culture activities.

Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre Director Clare Armitage shared “this was a joyful event for Katherine and our region after the long-awaited completion of our new performing arts facilities. It was also an important opportunity to remember someone who gave so much to the arts in the NT, and whose contribution will now be memorialised in the Balang T.E. Lewis amphitheatre.”

Fleur Parry, of Djilpin Arts added “Holding Space for the art of story, in all its forms, was fundamental to Balang’s life and work. The Djilpin Arts family and community are delighted to see his cultural and artistic legacy reflected in the naming of this exciting new development for Katherine and our region.”

Image: Darwin Symphony Orchestra performing at the opening of the Balang T.E Lewis amphitheatre in Katherine.