Hopgood Theatre given last minute reprieve by State Government

The State Government has agreed to fund Hopgood Theatre in Noarlunga Centre for a final six months.

• Onkaparinga Mayor calls on State Government to fund Hopgood
• Arts community rallies behind embattled Hopgood Theatre
• Funding secured to keep Hopgood Theatre curtains open
• Onkaparinga Council pitches bid to save Hopgood Theatre

Hopgood Theatre has received a last minute reprieve with the State Government agreeing to provide funding for a final six months.

Industry and Skills Minister David Pisoni wrote to Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson last week to inform her that the State Government would give Country Arts SA a final $57,500 to operate the Noarlunga Centre theatre for the next six months on the condition that a new funding model can be resolved in that time.

Country Arts SA has been managing the theatre, at Noarlunga TAFE in Ramsay Place, since 2008.

Last year it was unable to negotiate its usual five-year funding agreement with the State Government.

Instead, the government agreed to fund it for 12 months while a transition plan was put in place.

This funding was set to run out next month and it costs about $200,000 each year to run the venue.

The Save the Hopgood Theatre group staging a protest on the steps at Parliament House. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens.

Country Arts SA chief executive Steve Saffell said this money would allow him to keep Hopgood’s doors open for the remainder of this year.

“We remain confident that a new funding model can be found that will ensure the continued operations of the Hopgood Theatre for many years to come,” Mr Saffell said.

“At the present time we understand that discussions between TAFE SA and the City of Onkaparinga are progressing and we will do everything we can to assist with a smooth transition of the theatre to a new management model.”

Ms Thompson wrote to Mr Pisoni last month asking him to extend its funding.

After receiving Mr Pisoni’s letter, Ms Thompson said the council would continue its discussions with the State Government regarding the theatre’s future.

“We’ll do what we can to reach a positive outcome for the theatre, but we’re not in a position to make any guarantees at this time,” Ms Thompson said.

“The Hopgood Theatre is a really valuable asset to the community, providing an accessible space for local artists to perform, entertaining residents through performances from interstate and abroad, and providing schools with a great local venue.”

Pop star Mark Holden. Picture: Luke Bowden

Thousands of petitioners and the arts community, including 70s pop star Mark Holden, have rallied to save the theatre arguing that it is a vital part of Adelaide’s southern suburbs.

The State Government has been approached for comment.