Expansion

It’s 2023 and growth is in the air (and on the ground)! Taking a look back at our non-profit organisation’s FY2022, a lot of work went on behind the scenes to prepare for this major expansion of facilities and operations—all thanks to a major capital investment from the Northern Territory’s Arts Trail Program. With the architects and project team, we completed the design phase in mid-2022; the construction tender was awarded in October; and the first shovel hit the Godinymayin earth in early December. Now that we’ve broken ground,  we expect that the 2023 year will bring a bit of disruption, a bold transformation, and then some wonderful new cultural facilities for Katherine and the Big Rivers Region to enjoy.   

To help share the progress of our Arts Trail construction, we will be updating this page periodically—adding images and milestones below as they happen. The Centre will remain open for most of the coming year, with one or two small closure periods to accommodate the required demolition and engineering works. All the while, our small team welcomes your ideas for the Territory’s newest outdoor amphitheatre, much larger retail shop, future exhibitions, and potential stage and performing arts activities. Our team and I will be making continuous improvements to our operations behind the scenes, and working to securing additional resources to help expand our future public programming in 2024 and beyond. By the time the dust has settled and the new facilities are opened, Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre will offer our Big River communities and visitors even more dynamic and meaningful arts events, cultural programs, and creative experiences. 

Our Board and Team are truly grateful to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles; Minister for Arts, Culture, and Heritage Chansey Paech; Katherine Town Council’s Mayor Lis Clark and Chief Executive Ingrid Stonehill; and all of the artists and civic leaders who have contributed to the first decade of our organisation. As we plan the next ten years, and all work hard to build and activate an expanded Arts Trail facility, we invite ideas, participation, and creative collaborations. Our Team, Board, and I are truly grateful for  your help and support.

Eric Holowacz
Chief Executive Officer