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Fyshwick performance venue’s in jeopardy

Performing at The Artists’ Shed

ONE of the most successful performance venues in Canberra is in jeopardy after an application for a permanent alcohol licence was not approved. 

The Artists Shed in Fyshwick, home to Margaret Hadfield’s painting studio, art classes, Q&As, fine art and craft supplies and artworks, has for some time now been running regular weekend gigs.

Appealing largely to folk music aficionados and, always with a barbecue at interval, it has been attracting socially distanced crowds of devotees to enjoy everything from rock to folk.

This weekend the shed will be home to sold-out performances by Shortis and Simpson.

A final trivia night there tonight, November 13, from 7-9pm, will signal the closing of team member Frank Bresnik’s popular coffee and wine bar, a mainstay of music events.

Because of existing leasing arrangements in the Fyshwick area, Bresnik’s application for a permanent licence to sell alcohol at the venue has not been approved, although he has a special permit to serve alcohol and to run the café to the end of November, during which time the shed has another 12 events booked. While representations are being made by Bresnik to change the provision of lease, it is unlikely to be approved.

Margaret Hadfield at the shed

The original Artists Shed was born in the back blocks of Queanbeyan and became the workplace for painters Dennis Mortimer and Margaret Hadfield, and, under the late Tim Keeble, a performance hub for musicians and bands.

When the rented building was sold, the Artists Shed became a non-profit organisation but eventually dissolved.

In March 2019 the Terzi family offered a large commercial space in Fyshwick to Hadfield, who, with Mortimer, created an artistic environment, and in June last year the new Artists Shed officially opened.

“We are in ongoing discussions to explore possibilities,” a music programmer for the shed said, asking the obvious question – “Would dry events work?”

The Artists Shed, 88 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick, events bookings here and inquiries to 0407 607516

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One Response to Fyshwick performance venue’s in jeopardy

Christopher Emery says: 13 November 2020 at 10:11 am

The Shed’s liquor license is better run than the average Pub. I suspect vested donor interests are at play. Whom are they competing with?

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