Media response - Hopgood Theatre

Published on 10 August 2020

Response to The Advertiser. 

• Just wondering if there had been an announcement on Hopgood's future? When the motion was up at council last month, Cr Jamieson mentioned he thought it would be finalised by the 5th.

Comments attributed to Mayor Erin Thompson

Council CEO Scott Ashby and I met with Minister Gardner and representatives of Country Arts SA (the current operator) earlier this month to progress these discussions. The discussions were very positive and we are awaiting further feedback from Minister Gardner regarding future options.

We continue to advocate strongly for the state government to provide ongoing funding to prevent closure of the Hopgood Theatre and contribute to the significant capital investment required to ensure its future viability. Our estimate is that the theatre requires a $5 million upgrade to provide a modern creative arts facility for the south. I indicated we are happy to work through these figures with the state government.

Our community has a longstanding and strong connection with the Hopgood Theatre.

It’s essential for both the southern metro area and Fleurieu Peninsula (comprising 13 per cent of the state’s population), allowing local artists to hone their skills, entertaining residents through performances from home and abroad, and providing schools with a key education space.

Creative industries are one of the state government’s nine priority sectors to deliver its three per cent state growth target.

ENDS