Aerialize to vacate its decade-long home

Marrickville’s local aerial theatre company Aerialize has been removed from its 12-year-old premises at the Addison Road Centre (ARC) after being issued with a 30-day eviction notice by the Centre’s Board.

The troupe claimed it was given an eviction notice only a week ago.

Aerialize general manager Patrick Corrigan said the issue had been “ongoing between the troupe and the board for 12 months.”

ARC claimed that they have not evicted Aerialize and are happy to provide evidence to the contrary.

ARC’s co-ordinator Rosanna Barbero said that ARC has supported Aerialize for 10 years at subsidised rent, even though the use of the Great Hall by Aerialise “should only ever have been a temporary arrangement” as the building’s grant stipulated use of the building for community based and Not For Profit groups under ARC’s management.

The lease agreement that was put in place in 2006 has now expired, and the “Board of ARC are now interested in opening up this valuable space to other groups.”

Ms Barbero also said: “ARC values the contribution of Aerialize to the Inner West community,” citing its subsidy of the troupe’s rent for the last ten years.

As per the mandate to utilise the resources of the centre responsibly, ARC’s Great Hall was not meant for the exclusive use of a trapeze artists training centre.

The ARC Board is hoping to further provide their expertise to assist the troupe in submitting a grant to fund a multi-purpose building for trapeze artists to organise entertainment events and training activities.

Local Greens councillor Max Phillips said Marrickville Council does not have a say in the matter since no
councillors “have a spot on the ARC board”.

He was concerned yet said: “ARC operates independently of council.”

The ARC Board is concerned that as a non-profit board, it is increasingly under pressure to ensure sustainability and transparency to carry out their fiduciary duties.

This includes funding agreements, community access and distribution of resources.

The troupe requested for additional time to make suitable arrangements for their new premises.

This was granted by the ARC Board.

The Aerialize administration, which is also currently based at the centre, will remain.

By Astha Rajvanshi