Gallery at a new Junction

Port Hedland’s local art space known as the Courthouse Gallery is set to enter a new era with a local not-for-profit organisation awarded the management contract.

The Junction Co. will run the business after FORM declined to renew its deal with the Town of Port Hedland.

The organisation will take over management of the centre on Monday.

The gallery will close for refurbishments for the first few weeks of July and the first exhibition is due on July 19. Town of Port Hedland Mayor Camilo Blanco said he was pleased the contract was awarded to a local organisation that understands the Pilbara.

“Community consultation in recent years has uncovered a desire for arts programming which gives people the chance to learn new skills and inspires our young people,” he said.

Mr Blanco said Junction Co. would place greater focus on active participation from gallery visitors.

“The Junction Co. have a clear vision to engage, grow, and empower regional creative industries, breaking the mould that the arts is the preserve of metropolitan centres,” he said. “I’m confident the Junction Co. will build on the strong foundations built by FORM in recent years, and I look forward to the Town working with the organisation so the gallery can reach its full potential.”

Junction Co. chairperson Miranda Cecich said the organisation was looking forward to using its local knowledge to take the gallery to the next level.

Ms Cecich said they were excited to work with the Town of Port Hedland to grow creative industries in Port Hedland with the implementation of a new Makers Space in the gallery.

The Junction Co. has a two-year contract with the council, with the option of three 12-month extensions.