MCA re-development to start in June 2010

The Premier of NSW Kristina Keneally, the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Federal Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, The Hon Peter Garrett AM, MP, and MCA Director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor today announced that construction on the redevelopment of the Museum of Contemporary Art will commence in June this year.

Director of the MCA Elizabeth Ann Macgregor said on behalf of the MCA Board that “we are thrilled and delighted that the Federal Government has agreed to partner the State Government, and that together they will commit $26 million towards the project budget of $53 million. The State Government has agreed to increase its support from the $10 million committed in 2008 and will now match the Federal Government’s $13 million contribution.”.

The Federal Government is supporting the project through the Department of Infrastructure Transport, Regional Development to stimulate employment in the construction industry and across the wider community.

The Premier and Ministers also announced that Simon Mordant, the Chairman of the MCA's Foundation, and his family had made an extraordinary and unprecedented commitment to a contemporary art project with a donation of $15 million.

Elizabeth Ann Macgregor said: "This is an incredibly exciting moment and has only been made possible because of the support from the Federal and NSW Governments along with a truly visionary gift by Simon and Catriona Mordant. The importance of this contribution to our community, made possible by the enthusiasm and commitment of this unique funding partnership, is truly breath-taking.”

“We would also like to acknowledge the enormous support and contribution of $1m from the City of Sydney and the $7.45 million so far raised from other private donors.”

The redevelopment of the MCA at Sydney’s Circular Quay will deliver the city, the state and the nation with a world class art and educational institution. The MCA will consolidate its role as a locally loved national arts institution, and the creation of the National Centre for Creative Learning will strengthen the MCA’s position as an international Museum of Contemporary Art.

Ms Macgregor said the Museum would particularly like to acknowledge the role played by Simon Mordant, Chairman of the MCA Foundation, who kick-started the capital appeal in 2007 by pledging $5 million. During the past three years Simon has been the driving force of the capital campaign, helping to secure additional donations from the private sector. The decision by Simon and Catriona Mordant to increase their pledge to $15 million was critical in the re-development plans being realised.

"The Mordants wholeheartedly share our belief that creativity and education in the arts are the critical building blocks for a dynamic community. The Mordants’ drive, commitment and contribution to this development will help encourage further benefaction to the arts and a deeper sense of community,” said Ms Macgregor.

"This incredible private donation will be a legacy for generations. I am so grateful for the extraordinary support of the Mordants since the Museum began, but particularly over the past three years, and look forward to delivering what has been a long-term dream for us all," she said.

Simon Mordant, Chairman of the MCA Foundation, said: "Catriona and I are delighted that this vital project will deliver a vibrant cultural centrepiece at Circular Quay West. This expansion has been our dream for many years and we have worked tirelessly with Liz Ann and her extraordinary team to make this happen. The model of private philanthropy working with State, Federal and City Governments to build this infrastructure is a terrific outcome and one we hope can be replicated for the community in other places. We thank everyone who has contributed to this.”

The extension to the north of the existing MCA building will be appropriately named the Mordant Wing in recognition of the philanthropic support of the Mordant family. The Mordant Wing will provide a Centre for Creative Learning of national significance, housing workshop spaces for schools and after-school youth programs. There will be new facilities for the Museum’s renowned Bella program for young people with special needs, a digital classroom, multi-media room, library and resource room and a lecture theatre/new media events space. In addition, the extension will house additional Gallery space.

The development will also provide revamped and extended gallery spaces and a new fully accessible entrance. It will also expand commercial spaces to provide more ongoing revenue and create a sustainable business model, which will assist the MCA in continuing to offer free entry.

The redevelopment plans respond to audience demands as MCA attendances continue to break records, with more than half a million people viewing MCA exhibitions and an additional 100,000 people utilising the MCA venue spaces each year.

Enabling construction will begin in June and the project is expected to be completed in early 2012.

The design, by innovative architect Sam Marshall in partnership with the NSW Government Architect, will complement the existing building and energise The Rocks precinct and Circular Quay.