Major Revamp Of Museum Of Contemporary Art

The Australian and NSW Governmentshave joined forces to help fund a major makeover and upgrade of Sydney's iconic Museum ofContemporary Art (MCA) - to help it attract international exhibitions for the Asia-Pacificregion.

Federal Infrastructure and TransportMinister, Mr Anthony Albanese said as part of the redevelopment the MCA wouldbecome home to a new world-leading arts educational facility, reinforcing itsreputation as one of Australia's great art icons.

"The newNational Centre for Creative Learning will harness the power of the Internetand online technologies to bring Australian artists into classrooms rightacross the country," said Mr Albanese.

"Thisproject is what our Economic Stimulus Plan has been all about. It will create 219 construction jobs as theeconomy recovers from the biggest global downturn in 75 years while leaving alasting legacy for the community."

The $53 million upgrade is being jointlyfunded by the Australian ($13 million) and NSW ($13 million) governments, withthe balance coming from the Museum itself and private donors - including $15million from the Chairman of the MCA's Foundation Simon Mordant and his family.

Premier Kristina Keneally said the NSW Government funding was critical to the developmentand would enable the MCA to rival modern art spaces such as New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and London's Tate Modern.

"Thevisionary redevelopment of the MCA willcreate enhanced opportunities to attract and compete for the bestpossible exhibitions and artists," Ms Keneally said.

"Itwill also allow the MCA to offer state-of-the art educational experiences toyoung people in Sydney, across the State and Australia.

"TheMCA's planned sculpture terrace - with a vista of our magnificent harbour -will rival the best art spaces in the world.

"Not only will we be on theinternational art gallery map and accessible to thousands more international visitorsand artists - but we will also be more accessible to the people of NSW andAustralia, especially those with a disability.

"I amproud to be part of this wonderful announcement and look forward to seeing thebenefits this redevelopment will deliver to Sydney, NSW and Australia."

Aswell as being equipped with state of the art communication facilities, the newNational Centre will house a 110 seat multimedia theatre, an artists' resourcecentre, new galleries and art education spaces, a rooftop cafe and sculptureterrace, and accommodation for the Bella Program for children with specialneeds.

Federal Arts Minister Peter Garrettsaid today's announcement opened an exciting new chapter for the MCA.

"Today we see the MCA realise anambition to create an incredible new resource for the growing numbers of peoplewho come here, fired up with enthusiasm, to learn, understand and experiencecutting edge and modern art forms," said Mr Garrett.

"Importantly, this Centre has beenmade possible not only by government contributions, but also by a landmark actof philanthropy, demonstrating how collaborative relationships betweengovernments and generous citizens can deliver real benefits to our outstandingarts institutions."

Work is expected to commence as earlyas next month and be complete by early 2012.