$4.5M plan for South West Music redevelopment

It would include accommodation for an artist in residence or touring artists, music studios, a fully equipped recording studio and control room and an outdoor performing area.

A timeline for the plan is dependent on funding, but if successful work on the building will start in November.

It is then anticipated the new-look space would be fully operational by early 2024.

An application under the NSW Create Capital Infrastructure fund is pending, but SWM CEO Leone Knight said other funding avenues and locations are being investigated should it be unsuccessful.

For 35 years SWM has been a “school without a home”, and Ms Knight said this funding will provide a permanent solution for the community’s music needs.

“SWM has been in several different locations over the years,” said Ms Knight.

“There is a need now for a permanent, fit for purpose facility which supports music education, performance, the arts and the local economy.”

Ms Knight said the refurbished building will be a great asset for the region.

“We have put together a robust business case which outlines the potential economic impact on the region,” she said.

“SWM conducted a huge community engagement exercise with local arts, culture and health and wellness organisations in the region and discussed how this facility could meet the needs of our diverse community.

“Together with the architect, we have developed a fit for purpose facility that will support music education, performance, smaller local organisations and artists and complement existing infrastructure in town.

“We’re here to work with the community and help make the river swell so everyone wins.”

As part of a visibility strategy for the project, the SWM executive met with Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley and Senator Perin Davey before the federal election to discuss the need for a ‘permanent solution’.

Both have since taken senior roles in government, with Ms Ley now the deputy leader for the federal Liberals and Senator Davey the deputy leader for The Nationals.

“It was great to be able to talk to and seek advice from two local female politicians about the struggles we face as a regional conservatorium,” said Ms Knight.

“They both listened intently and understood the value of music to the community, through music education and how bringing touring artists and performers to the region impact the visiting economy.

“They sympathised with the challenges we face, especially during COVID and were willing to vouch for us and advocate to the appropriate people.”

While SWM continues to work toward its major overhaul, in the short term it is implemented new methods of fundraising to aid in COVID-19 pandemic recovery.

It has started a crowd funding campaign.

“COVID shut down performances and most of our classroom teaching,” said Ms Knight.

“While we moved to online learning where we could, it was hard to keep kids engaged and enthusiastic about their music education in the long term.

“Musicians learn to perform, so when there was no opportunity for our students to showcase what they had been learning it was hard for them to stay motivated.”

Ms Knight said that while they are offering some fee relief to those struggling, there is only so much they can do.

“We are asking the community for help to support our students, families and schools in a time of need.

“Every little bit helps a student, family or school reap the benefits of music education and the joy performance brings in our communities.”

To donate to South West Music’s end of financial year campaign, head to https://gofund.me/5b2deb76.