Brisbane’s 40-year-old multi-arts organisation Metro Arts opens its new, purpose-built, West End home tonight. The new venue – which contains performance, exhibition and office space – will kick things off by hosting several Brisbane Festival events. Metro Arts Creative Director and CEO Jo Thomas discusses her excitement at opening the creative space, which is an important addition to the new West Village precinct.

Metro Arts’ new purpose-built home in Brisbane’s West End. Images supplied

Why did Metro Arts decide to sell its home in Edward Street where it had been based for 40 years?

109 Edward Street was a beautiful old building but one in constant need of maintenance and repair. As a 130-year-old heritage-listed building we found we were spending more time and money on the building then we were on the art.  Metro’s focus needs to be on our core business which is developing and presenting independent contemporary arts practice. By selling the building we have ensured the sustainability of the organisation and allowed us to fund artists and arts projects for decades into the future. We have established the Metro Arts Future Fund and created an incredible new arts precinct in...