Perth Voice Interactive

CHRISSIE PARROTT ARTS in Maylands is closing.

For three years the not-for-profit performing arts space has showcased more than 2000 emerging artists in dance, theatre, art and music from its 400sqm venue. Owner Chrissie Parrott decided to close after failing to secure government funding.

“We thought we were pretty much guaranteed the money but it fell through, and we were told it was because the price of iron ore had plummeted,” she told the Voice. “It’s really sad and we’ve spent the past week sifting through stuff with the odd laugh and tear. I like to think that during those three years we managed to showcase independent artists, who otherwise would not have had an outlet for their talents.”

Last year the venue hosted The Fringe, with performances by Louise Honeybul and Kynan Hughes who have gone on to play larger venues.

From January the venue will be home to an expanded Kurb Gallery, relocating from its 140sqm studio in Northbridge. Director Dan Spriggs says rent on the William Street property has skyrocketed 200 per cent in the past few years: “It’s a bit sad, because we’ve been on William Street for 30 years and have averaged around 46 shows a year. But the rent was just getting too high and we had to move.

“On the plus side, there’s lots more room in the new place and we can have an artists’ studio and an exhibition gallery.”

Spriggs plans to showcase visual and performance arts, including printmaking, painting, photography and experimental music.

Dance director Parrott and partner Jonathan Mustard, a composer, are confident their combined 40 years’ experience in the industry will see them right.

“We’ll survive,” she laughs. “We haven’t pulled a wage for three years but we’ve just managed to land a major commission, so things are looking up.”

Ms Parrott will auction artworks, gilded frames, velvet curtains and other fixtures and fixings this weekend. Viewings from 11-1pm with the auction starting 2pm at the Sussex Street studio.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK