Perks for arts fans in new Council membership program

Published on 27 October 2021

Piper Butcher at Warners Bay Theatre October 2021 (7) (Custom) (1).jpg

Lake Macquarie City Council is poised to kick off a new annual arts membership to coincide with the relaunch of live performances as COVID restrictions ease.

The Lake Mac Arts membership program will provide discounts, VIP invitations and other member-only perks at major events and the city’s premier cultural venues, including the new Multi-Arts Pavilion mima at Speers Point, Rathmines Theatre, Museum of Art and Culture yapang at Booragul and Warners Bay Theatre baramayiba.

Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the creative arts were a vital part of engaging and uniting the community.

“It creates conversations and inspires creativity, so I’m very excited that we can once again start offering live music and other performances in our events schedule,” she said.

Lake Mac singer-songwriter Piper Butcher, set to perform at a Lake Mac event next month, said she was looking forward to returning to live gigs.

This community wouldn't be the same without music and art,” she said.

We should embrace all the live performance opportunities that are possible now that lockdown is coming to an end, because were bursting to show audiences our new works.”

“Our mirrors are getting sick of watching us perform.”

Ms Hemsley said Council was committed to rejuvenating the creative sector, rebuilding relationships with existing audiences and capturing new fans through the new membership program.

“Through the Lake Mac Arts membership, we’ll be providing incentives for people to try new experiences and keep them coming back for more,” she said.

“The program will also provide early-bird ticket sales for major events, exclusive discounts and breaking news about visiting artists and performers.”

A recent $240,000 upgrade to Warners Bay Theatre has bolstered the city’s potential for live performances, with a high-tech sound and lighting array, mechanised tiered seating, refurbished front-of-house and portable staging among the new features.

The upgrades were jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund and Council.

Lake Mac Arts membership will be $80 a year for adults, $72 for concessions and $50 for students.

Go to arts.lakemac.com.au to sign up or for more information.