Murwillumbah looks to art for help

Murwillumbah Chamber of Commerce president Toni Zuschke.

John Gass

MURWILLUMBAH District Business Chamber has formed a committee dedicated to finding State Government funding for CBD art spaces.

The chamber met on Thursday morning to discuss turning vacant shopfronts into hubs for artists.

The idea has taken off in Lismore with the creation of the Art in the Heart concept, building creative enterprises in empty spaces to liven up the town and rejuvenate the retail sector.

Chamber president Toni Zuschke said it was time to act, with 32 Murwillumbah shops empty.

She said the region was full of artists who needed to come out of the woodwork and refresh the streets of Murwillumbah with the help of the chamber, landlords and the Tweed Shire Council.

Ideally, more activity in the town centre would attract more foot traffic.

After lengthy discussion a task force was created to get the "Pop Up Murwillumbah" campaign off the ground.

This task force so far includes Lismore MP Thomas George, Tweed Mayor Barry Longland, Destination Tweed CEO Bill Tatchell, the chamber and several members of the creative industries.

Contact the chamber if you can assist at natascha@mur willumbahchamber.com.au.