Monash's new performance art space

It's all happening at Monash University, ABR's newest partner. The Matheson Library (though still open and bustling with students) is being transformed in a huge building project, and – most auspiciously for arts lovers in Melbourne south-east – Monash will soon be the home of a new performance centre named The Ian Potter Centre for the Performing Arts. The $45 million project, named in recognition of the philanthropic foundation, will be located at Monash University's Clayton Campus, and will comprise a 586-seat refurbishment of the Alexander Theatre, as well as two new performance venues: a 130-seat sound gallery and a 200-seat jazz club. The Victorian Government and The Ian Potter Foundation, have pledged $10 million and $5 million towards the project, respectively. Announcing the new project on 22 August, Professor Margaret Gardner, Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor, praised the investment in a 'truly contemporary performance space' and Professor Paul Grabowsky, Executive Director at the Monash Academy of Arts, said that the space 'will provide endless opportunities for students, staff, and the surrounding community into the future'. The Ian Potter Foundation supports Arts Update.