Results have been released following the Margaret River HEART's first year of operation which the venue operator says are 'atypical' of first year performance for a new venue.
Details released by the HEART this week said the venue had attracted more than 30,000 attendances and hosted more than 300 events, as well as conferences, cinema screenings and music performances.
HEART General Manager Nicky Hansen said the facility had delivered an event schedule that compared to larger facilities in major cities.
"More than fifty per cent of events this year have been community events, with many supported by the HEART Grant program," she said.
"The team has worked with volunteers and the community to generate events that support the community, such as free weekly Young@HEART performances in the foyer and the inaugural Homegrown@HEART Music Program which supports local talent.
"We've also featured 14 community artist exhibitions and 16 creative workshops for young people in the school holidays."
The HEART Grant Program helped 17 organisations deliver 21 events through the allocation of $62,810 in funding to assist access to the centre since launching in 2019/20.
Ms Hansen said the team had worked closely and collaboratively with Arts Margaret River and would continue to actively support their activities, along with the activities of many other local arts organisations.
"Although COVID-19 border closures remain a threat, a high level of enquiry from both commercial and community hirers moving forward is expected," Ms Hansen said.
"The centre is in a solid position looking into the 2021/2022 event schedule with 51 definite events and a further 30 leads. This is strong start for the next financial year.
"The HEART is proving it's worth as a major tourism asset, generating more than 1000 room nights to date, which conservatively injects more than $250,000 into the local economy.
"There are also two significant conferences already confirmed for 2022, bringing much needed mid-week visitation."
Ms Hansen said with borders opening in the future, it was anticipated that HEART would be a busy centre with a balance of both commercial and community events.
The venue hosted four conferences, 77 cinema screenings, 27 live performances and benefitted from over 620 volunteer hours provided by a volunteer team of 50 throughout the first 12 months.
MARGARET RIVER HEART VENUE
2020-21 SNAPSHOT
- More than 30,000 attendances
- More than 300 events
- Four conferences
- Regular local artist exhibitions on display in the foyer
- 77 cinema screenings
- 27 live performances including Ben Elton, Ross Noble, 1927, WAYJO, and Ross Noble
- Over 620 volunteer hours provided by a volunteer team of 50
- HEART Grant program has assisted more than 20 community events in the facility.
- Over 1000 room nights contributing at least $250,000 to the local economy.
- Healthy forward projections with the conference market showing high interest in the facility which will see conference bookings confirm in the next three to five years.