Shiny new art gallery | Cairns Local News

The ‘Mulgrave Gallery’ will open during the Cairns Festival next month.

A Cairns Regional Council spokesman said the work was funded by a $10 million grant from the federal government’s Regional Recovery Partnerships program to help deliver the Cairns Gallery Precinct project. The project included the renovation of the former Mulgrave Shire Council building into a gallery, the demolition of 51 The Esplanade and the development of a masterplan for the precinct.

“In preparation for the refurbishment of the heritage-listed Mulgrave Shire Council building, the council has removed asbestos, carpeting, ceilings, partition walls and external ramps,” he said.

“The restoration work on the heritage includes plastering and painting of ceilings, floors, walls, doors and windows, and the reconstruction of the north-west veranda.

“Other work includes electrical upgrades, new roofs, structural improvements, construction of new utilities, administration, storage areas and accessible ramps, and other general construction and landscaping work.”

Cr Rob Pyne, whose Ward 5 includes the gallery area, said he was pleased with the end result.

He said it was also gratifying that three levels of government contributed to the total $39.5 million gallery area.

Cr Pyne said he was looking forward to seeing what would be on display in the gallery.

For Cr Pyne, the building is a fondly remembered memory as his late father – Tom Pyne – was a former Mayor of Mulgrave Shire and Mayor of Cairns City Council.

“He used to sit behind his desk and watch the Pacific Hotel grow bigger and bigger,” he said.

The council spokesman said the Mulgrave Gallery would not have a specific theme.

“While there is no theme, the First Nations-focused programs and activities will be further strengthened with the opening of the Mulgrave Gallery,” he said.

“The Mulgrave Gallery is part of the wider Cairns Gallery Precinct.

“The Cairns Gallery Precinct project connects three heritage buildings – Cairns Art Gallery, Court House Gallery and the Mulgrave Gallery – and, once completed, will significantly increase existing exhibition space, refurbish heritage spaces and create new galleries, public spaces and jobs.

“Importantly, for the first time the area will provide dedicated spaces where we can showcase our talented indigenous artists and the unique art forms they create.”