Emergency Campaign Launched to Save Sydney's Marian St Theatre
On 2 August, more than 250 community members, artists, and leaders gathered outside the Gordon Library in Sydney's Upper North Shore to initiate an urgent fundraising effort aimed at preserving the Marian St Theatre in Killara, which has been closed since 2013 due to safety issues. The Marian St Theatre Action group, spearheaded by Jessica Blaxland Ashby, is calling on Ku-ring-gai Council to overturn its decision from 16 June that permits the Development Application to expire on 19 August. The group seeks to raise $100,000 through GoFundMe by 6 August. Notable supporters include Miriam Margolyes and Hugo Weaving. The redevelopment plan, crafted by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, envisions a modern arts centre, with $1.7 million in public funds at stake if the plans fail.
Key facts
- More than 250 people attended the Rally in Red on 2 August outside Gordon Library.
- Marian St Theatre in Killara has been closed since 2013 due to safety concerns.
- Ku-ring-gai Council voted on 16 June to allow the Development Application to expire on 19 August.
- The GoFundMe campaign aims to raise $100,000 by 6 August to preserve the plans.
- The redevelopment was designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and would create a contemporary arts centre.
- High-profile supporters include Miriam Margolyes, Hugo Weaving, Jacki Weaver, and David Williamson.
- If plans expire, $1.7 million in public investment is at risk.
- Ku-ring-gai Council has spent $26.6 million on basketball courts but has no dedicated performing arts venue.
Entities
Artists
- Jessica Blaxland Ashby
- Miriam Margolyes
- Hugo Weaving
- Jacki Weaver
- Nancye Hayes
- Tony Sheldon
- John Frost
- David Williamson
Institutions
- Marian St Theatre
- Marian St Theatre Action group
- Ku-ring-gai Council
- GoFundMe
- NSW Parliament
- Australian Parliament
- Sydney Morning Herald
- Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
- Creative Australia
- ArtsHub
- ScreenHub
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- Killara
- Gordon Library
- Upper North Shore
- Melbourne
- Footscray