Bendigo's Ulumbarra Theatre encourages donor involvement

Bendigo's performing arts patrons are being encouraged to put their stamp on the city's soon-to-open Ulumbarra Theatre.

Performing arts centres around the world engage with local communities through donor programs designed to assist in the delivery of innovative programming and access to state-of-the-art specialist equipment.

Echoing this, the Ulumbarra Theatre Dreaming Program has been developed to allow the Bendigo arts community to be involved in their state-of-the-art theatre.

City of Greater Bendigo City Futures Director explained “Ulumbarra donors will be valued and acknowledged as people who recognize the importance of the performing arts to Bendigo and the positive impacts the new theatre will deliver to our community.”

Donors contributing in a more substantial way might consider participating in the Take Your Seat! donor program, where a plaque bearing the donor’s name will be placed on a seat in the magnificent Ulumbarra Theatre auditorium until 2035.

Liacos explained "we need to ensure we have a suite of collaborative partners and supporters to ensure our operations are equally tip-top to match our stupendous new theatre.

"We clearly have enough money to build a great theatre but this is very much about raising valuable revenue to give the running of the theatre added sparkle and to help operations.

"This is about giving us extra fuel in the tank to make sure we run a superb venue."

Liacos said the money would help purchase items such as pianos, music stands and production equipment and fund scholarships and specialist programming.

Major gift givers can also join the Ulumbarra Stars program, where contributors will assist in the delivery of a range of enriching programs.

Sited in Bendigo's former jailhouse building, the adaptive reuse of the unique heritage site will result in the Ulumbarra Theatre:

• A new state-of-the-art 1,000 seat theatre with a fully equipped fly tower
• Music, dance and drama studios
• Learning kitchens
• General learning areas
• Outdoor alfresco area for Bendigo Senior Secondary College students

A date for the grand opening of the $25.8 milion project is expected soon.

For more information go to www.ulumbarratheatre.com.au.

21st August 2012 - PLANS APPROVED FOR BENDIGO JAIL TO BECOME A THEATRE