The former site of the NAB in Mann St has officially been transformed into the new Gosford Arts Centre — a dazzling transformation of the former bank building into a vibrant home for performance, community and creativity.
The opening night on Friday, August 1, saw crowds queuing down William Plaza and along Mann St.
Business leaders, community leaders, Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna, and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch all took to the stage.
Members of the Central Coast Arts Alliance, volunteers, performers, donors, councillors, and local businesspeople joined in celebrating the most tangible community-led project Gosford has seen in years.
Situated at the corner of Mann St and William St Plaza and run under the auspices of the Fun Haus Factory, the Arts Centre has transformed the once-abandoned plaza walkway into a bold and colourful space.
Murals by renowned artists Russell Austin and Wendy Sharpe signal a new era for the city, bursting with creativity, energy, and purpose.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by circus whimsy and eclectic Parisian cabaret charm, with chandeliers overhead and the now-viral baby grand piano gifted by ABC’s The Piano glowing at centre stage.
“Once a bank, now a beating heart of music and arts — we’ve gone from NAB to FAB,” Creative Director Glitta Supernova said.
The Centre will host theatre, live music, cabaret, burlesque, and comedy plus more.
It also includes a basement gallery and a second mini theatrette for recording, rehearsals, and performances.
Currently delivering eight unfunded programs and residencies, the venue is driving the inclusion of Gosford on the East Coast touring circuit, while serving as a creative home for local talent.
The Gosford Arts Centre is a not-for-profit social enterprise, powered by ticket sales and Beau’s Burgers, the in-house burger bar now loved by locals.
Every bite or drink helps sustain and grow the arts on the Coast, ensures artists are paid, and now also helps cover rent.
“It’s challenging but we cannot stop now,” Supernova said.
“Gosford’s time is now.”
Built through pure grit, community spirit, and a 30-day crowdfunding campaign that raised almost 90% of its goal, the project was also supported by Bendigo Bank’s $20,000 donation and generous material contributions from Kincumber Mitre 10 and Dulux.
Opening week kicked off with local nights and continues with the launch of a piano and theatre show – Chopin’s Last Tour – on Friday, August 8, then the official community launch party GLAM SLAM — a dancefloor for house, disco, and electro on Saturday, August 9.
Sunday, August 10, will see MegaJam, an open creative jam session for music, movement, craft, and connection.
The centre is open from 5pm until late from Wednesday-Friday and from noon-3pm and 5pm until late on Saturday and Sunday.
More info: funhausfactory.org.au
Maybe Gosford needs a proper theatre with a fly tower. Newcastle has the CIVIC and a few other theatres. Time for Gosford to shine.
Will attend whenever possible.Can I still get cash out there? (only joking was my old bank )