Lanyon Homestead welcomed more than 70,000 visitors in 2023 to 2024 – the venue’s highest attendance in 15 years. Photo: Lanyon Homestead.
The ACT’s Cultural Facilities Corporation (CFC) recently announced its best year ever in 2023 to 2024, with great excitement and gratitude to local and visiting supporters of Canberra’s art and culture institutions.
It was a successful year for each of the organisation’s overseen venues, which include the Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra Museum and Gallery, Lanyon Homestead, Calthorpes’ House and Mugga Mugga Cottage.
More than 409,000 visitors were welcomed across CFC’s venues, marking the strongest attendance since before the COVID-19 pandemic and exceeding targets by 14.5 per cent.
The organisation also announced record-breaking numbers in education and public program participation, support for local artists and overall revenue.
CEO Gordon Ramsay expressed his thanks to the staff across institutions for their achievements during the year.
“2023-24 was a year of significant growth, activity and diversification for the CFC, with most areas of the organisation achieving record numbers of visitors and notable success in attracting new audiences,” he said.
“This is a testament to the commitment of CFC staff in providing arts and cultural experiences to the people of the city and region.”
The Canberra Museum and Gallery hosts countless precious pieces, including Sidney Nolan’s giant Riverbend work from 1964 to 1965, on loan from the ANU Art Collection. Photo: Canberra Museum and Gallery.
Minister for the Business, Arts and Creative Industries Michael Pettersson also commended the organisation for its success, particularly in attracting new audiences and first-time visitors.
More than half of the 247,238 people who attended the Canberra Theatre Centre’s 789 performances throughout the year were first-timers, alongside 45.5 per cent for other venues.
“Congratulations to all the CFC staff for the work they do to support the arts in Canberra, while also attracting new and larger audiences through a broad range of offerings,” Mr Pettersson said.
“This includes everything from supporting a record number of local artists through the Canberra Theatre Centre’s New Works Program, to [Canberra Museum and Gallery’s] highly successful partnerships with a range of other cultural institutions, to Lanyon Homestead’s wildly popular fair days and picnic concerts.”
Having finished 2024 with a bang, the CFC is keen to sprint toward further success in 2025.
There are two big anniversary celebrations on the calendar: the 60th anniversary of the Canberra Theatre Centre’s opening and 50 years since Sidney Nolan gifted 24 of his iconic paintings to Australia, ultimately into the care of the Canberra Museum and Gallery.
Each of these milestones will be an opportunity for Canberrans to celebrate and reflect on their local arts and culture, look ahead to the expansion and redevelopment of the Canberra Theatre Centre, consider a reimagined Canberra Museum and Gallery, and begin planning for a revamped Civic and cultural district.
Keen to get out and visit one of these iconic cultural facilities following your holiday break?
The Canberra Theatre Centre and Canberra Museum and Gallery are open now. Lanyon Homestead reopens on Wednesday, 8 January from 10 am, and Calthorpes House and Mugga Mugga House will both reopen on Saturday, 11 January, from 1 pm.
Loading ...
