Testing Grounds winter closure

Southbank’s community arts space Testing Grounds has gone into hibernation for the winter months and will no longer be open daily.

The community-programmed public space, funded by Arts Victoria, has proved an overwhelming success in activating the unused site at City Rd since launching at the end of 2013.

However, the creative duo behind the initiative Joseph Norster and Millie Cattlin have made the decision to close over winter in order to revamp the space and re-open later this year.

Mr Norster said the pair wanted to learn more about how to improve on what it had already achieved.

“As autumn and winter approaches, we look towards the next stage of the project with plans to reopen to the public in early November,” he said.

“The past 18 months of public engagement have taught us a great deal about the history of this little piece of land and its place in the Arts Precinct.”

While it will remain closed to the public, Mr Norster said the space would still be utilised by arts students for a range of educational projects while the site was being upgraded.

“During autumn and winter you may notice people coming and going on occasion,” he said. “Testing Grounds is being utilised by an artist-in-residence project and educational programs with students from local universities.”

“By spring, we hope to provide more art studio and exhibition space, further enabling us to support emerging artists within the established Arts Precinct and look to improve the amenity for locals by providing better seating and more undercover areas.”

The pair is calling on the community to provide feedback and comments, which it will use to help enhance the site’s ongoing program of public art and amenity.

To have your say visit
www.testinggrounds.com.au/feedback