Lotterywest Awards $139,226 Grant for Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Enhancements
The Mandurah Performing Arts Centre is set to undergo significant improvements thanks to a generous grant from Lotterywest. The funding of $139,226 will support a series of practical upgrades aimed at enhancing the venue's functionality and audience experience.
Key Upgrades and Their Impact
The grant will finance several critical enhancements at the centre. New mobile ticketing scanners will be installed to streamline entry processes, reducing wait times for patrons. Additionally, modern LED stage lighting will replace outdated systems, providing better illumination for performances.
Performers will benefit from improved on-stage audio foldbacks and specialised microphones, which are designed to deliver clearer sound quality, particularly for dance and live music events. Furthermore, more carpeted stage risers will be added, allowing the centre to safely accommodate larger groups, such as students participating in school graduation ceremonies.
Community and Cultural Benefits
Marc Missiaen, CEO of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, expressed sincere gratitude for the Lotterywest investment. He emphasized that these upgrades will offer lasting benefits for both the centre and the wider Mandurah community. "These improvements will enhance audience comfort, support artists with better technical equipment, and ensure ManPAC remains a vibrant and well-equipped cultural hub for years to come," Missiaen stated.
He noted that the last major upgrades occurred in 2019 through the State Government regional venues improvement fund, which covered sound and lighting system enhancements and equipment replacements in both the Boardwalk and Fishtrap Theatre. Missiaen highlighted the necessity of continued investment to maintain accessibility, equipment standards, and high-quality arts experiences.
Timeline and Future Outlook
The upgrades are expected to be implemented within the next two to three months. Missiaen remarked, "Lotterywest's support is a significant investment in the future of arts and culture in Mandurah, and we are grateful for their assistance."
Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams also commented on the centre's role in community cohesion. "This funding means better experiences for audiences, better support for performers, and more opportunities for locals to engage in Mandurah's creative life," he said. The grant underscores a commitment to fostering cultural vitality and ensuring the performing arts centre continues to serve as a key community asset.
