We would like to alert you, a valued PICA supporter, to an issue that you may be able to help us resolve.

Over the last two years we have held protracted negotiations with a number of state government agencies regarding the lease that PICA holds over its premises in the Perth Cultural Centre.

Despite our best and persistent efforts we have been unable to secure a firm commitment from the Western Australian Government that the lease will be renewed when it expires in 2012. This has placed one of Australia's most important cultural institutions at grave financial and operational risk.

Thanks to the commitment of people like you, PICA has flourished in recent years. It has been able to commission ambitious new works by Australian artists, strengthen its international programming, double its audiences and prepare to deliver a ground breaking new schools education program.

PICA has become an arts institution with a strong and dynamic vision for the future, including an exciting capital works plan that will allow the organisation to bring more outstanding work to Western Australia and support more talented local artists. When realised, the proposed plans will also create an important space for community engagement, a major tourist destination and a focal point for an enlivened cultural precinct.

The proposed development, which can now be viewed on our website at pica.org.au/news, has been enthusiastically received by our key stakeholders and neighbours including the Department of Culture & the Arts, the Australia Council, the Office of the Minister for Planning and Culture and the Arts, the Art Gallery of WA and the East Perth Redevelopment Authority.

However, given the current uncertainty surrounding its tenancy, PICA has been hindered in further progressing these plans and even in the planning of its future programs. It has also been prevented from sub-leasing its Bar & Café and thereby contributing significantly to the safety and revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre and to its own sustainability.

We would like you to help us by writing to the Hon John Day, Minister for Planning and Culture & the Arts, (email: Minister.Day@dpc.wa.gov.au) requesting a commitment to the renewal of our lease. You may also like to write to your own local member of the State Government, if appropriate.

Thank you for your assistance in helping us to resolve this issue. Please do not hesitate to contact PICA's Business Manager, Richard Mackay-Scollay, on business@pica.org.au should you wish to discuss the matter with us in more detail. Apologies for any cross-postings.

Warm regards,

Amy Barrett-Lennard
Director, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts

PICA's ongoing programs are primarily supported by an investment from the State of Western Australia through the Department of Culture and the Arts,with assistance from Lotterywest and assistance from the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. PICA is supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.
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