BRAG hopes to widen the scope of its activities and actively contribute to the local economy by establishing the centre.

The centre would enable BRAG to initiate projects such as outreach programmes for young people and would become an invaluable resource for the whole community.

BRAG aims to buy the property and various funding bodies are being approached including the Regional Partnerships Program, but it is individual donations that will be crucial to success. Of the estimated $535,200 required for purchase and basic refurbishment about $185,770 still needs to be found. Whether large or small, each donation is a step towards the target.

The centre would include a gallery shop rented out to raise income; a small meeting room with office space plus a larger public room. The office space would provide a home for local arts groups such as the Braidwood Folk Music Club, the Braidwood Quilters and the Theatre companies, as well as BRAG, to properly house their records and equipment.

Other possible uses would be, a public room suitable for rehearsals, workshops, classes, recitals, play and poetry readings. It would also be available to rent.

A whole swag of potential other uses have been suggested for the outside space. These include building open workshops where metal and wood-workers could display their skills, a Quilt Museum and Gallery and a Community Garden. These options will be explored further after the building is purchased.

The Braidwood Community Arts Centre Appeal is held under the auspices of the Australian Cultural Foundation . This allows potential donors to pledge the amount they wish to give. When the pledges total reaches the required target then gifts are sent to ACF. All such gifts are tax deductible.

You can find out more on www.abaf.org.au or telephone BRAG's President, Gill Burke, 02 4842 2579.