Windback Wednesday - Pepper Street Arts Centre 30th Birthday

Did you know that Pepper Street Arts Centre is now 30-years-old?

In 1990 the City of Burnside purchased the old Magill School building and initially used it as a community hall. However, in 1995 Pepper Street was designated as the site of a new, Council-operated gallery and community studio. Council had identified a need for a local exhibition venue, as the only existing space for community art exhibitions at that time was the Burnside Library, which was too small for larger exhibitions.

Originally named the Pepper Street Gallery and Community Studio, the Arts Centre was officially opened by John Dowie OAM in October 1995. It originally consisted of a single exhibition space and shop in the rear section of the building, but in 2001 the Burnside Council voted unanimously to expand the Arts Centre to occupy the whole building. The shop was moved to the front of the building, leaving room for a much larger exhibition space in the back. Pepper Street Arts Centre also expanded to include Dorrit's Coffee Shop, named after prominent Magill-based artist Dorrit Black.

Photograph: Pepper Street Arts Centre c. 2006. Burnside Local History Collection.