The Foundry Arts Space, in the heart of the historic Port of Echuca precinct, runs a different exhibition every month.
The foundry is not-for-profit and is completely community owned and operated. It is supported by the Echuca Moama Arts Initiative (EMAI), whose purpose is to raise the profile of the arts in our region.
“It’s a historic foundry building which has been rebuilt, which makes it quite a unique space for a gallery, sort of both old and new at the same time,” EMAI chair Tim Smallwood said.
Housed in the former Old Freemans Foundry building steeped in history with an eye to the future, the Foundry Arts Space supports regional Victorian artists, musicians and creative people to share this historical but contemporary space.
The foundry and the EMAI act as ambassadors for the arts in the Echuca-Moama region to paint the town as an arts destination.
“We want to encourage small regional galleries, which are often forgotten about in the bigger artistic scene,” Tim said.
Exhibiting local artists in the Foundry Art Space is just a part of what EMAI does. It also facilitates artists teaching classes and workshops and works on their behalf to secure grants to financially support creatives.
Tim said access to the arts was good for the community’s health and good for individuals’ mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
The Foundry Arts Space is on Murray Esplanade, Echuca, and open six days a week in winter and seven days a week in summer. The entire gallery is accessible on the ground level.