There has been a growing movement to save the historical Morningside School of Arts and now the community is calling for further support.
The Morningside School of Arts was originally built in 1926 to be a gathering spot for the then-growing suburb of Morningside. From weddings to club meets and theatre productions, it’s been the go-to place for generations of residents. However, the building’s age is showing, and it’s time for some much-needed TLC to keep it standing tall.
The brick and timber building, plus the land surrounding it, belong to the local community and is cared for by the trustees- the Morningside School of Arts Incorporated Association. It’s a rarity for such a significant historical building to have this independence from Brisbane City Council and the Queensland State Government. It does, however, have a Brisbane City Council Heritage overlay in place which dictates that she is be retained and restored to preserve her heritage value.
Restoring such a beloved landmark doesn’t come cheap, so the Morningside community has kicked off some serious fundraising efforts to bring the much-loved building to modern standards. Currently, the money required for basic renovation sits at around $250-thousand.
This kind of collective effort not only helps in safeguarding a meaningful part of history and culture but also fosters a sense of togetherness and pride in the community. It’s a real display of community and people power.
In terms of fundraising efforts, the committee assure locals there’ll be more trivia nights after one scheduled for this weekend sold out.
For those looking for a momento, a number of Brisbane artists have come forward to create tea towels, totes and key rings to help gather funds.
One artist is also donating profits from her workshops to the cause. You can find out more on the Save the Morningside School of Arts Facebook page.
The Morningside School of Arts fundraising committee is hoping to have the building in top shape for the 100th birthday celebrations in 2026.
To find out more or to donate, visit their website.
