New Wollongong Venue To Open Tomorrow

The burgeoning live music and arts scene in Wollongong will welcome a brand new locale to its landscape when the freshly minted Washed Out throws its massive launch party tomorrow night.

The 170-capacity space will book live acts hailing from everywhere from the emerging-locals league to national and international tours, as well as doing an actively community-focused sideline in local arts, design, fashion and theatre.

To kick that ambitious vision off, Washed Out has recruited the talents of Illawara indie rockers SheerKhan, Kiama-bred indie-blues-rock trio The Vanns, Sydney indie quartet Sea Legs, and North Coast punk-lashed indie threesome, and the evening's headliners, Lunatics On Pogosticks.

Showcasing the venue's dedication to the wider arts community, the staff's uniforms come in collaboration with local fashion label Minty Duds featuring a design by indie graphic artist Sion Griff. As well, for their launch party, rising artist Jack Irvin (Sounds Of The Suburbs, Space 44) will plaster the walls, in preparation.

The venue's gestation is a study in DIY know-how and hard work.

Although Wollongong as recently as February had proposed a radical change to the way it promoted and supported live music via implementing a Live Music Taskforce and Live Music Action Plan as part of the city's wider Cultural Plan, it has hit a roadblock since passing – barely – as Council continues to argue over its merits (despite last year's promises).

But, while the people behind Washed Out have not been involved directly with the Cultural Plan, co-manager James Sherley is nonetheless respectful of their efforts.

“I haven't had any involvement with the taskforce or action plan as of yet … as the venue has popped up quite quickly,” he told theMusic.com.au. “The people involved with that have been doing amazing things for the scene here though, really giving it a push and putting Wollongong in the eye of a lot wider national eye.

“It's an incredible shame about the recent watering down of the Cultural Plan, but I see it far from being the end; there are some big things on the horizon for Wollongong's live music scene.”

One of those big things – if not in size, then in merit – with the right support, will hopefully be the little place at Level 2, 234 Keira Street.

“I think the greatest challenges are yet to come, as exciting as it is,” Sherley said. “Finding a feasible way to best support the local community and scene, whilst trying to add something really unique to Wollongong's cultural scene.

“[We want] to give another live music venue to Wollongong, not only to showcase local acts but also as another touring stopover, with the bottom line to try to further strengthen the music scene in Wollongong. We're also hoping to continue working with the local wider creative community, expanding on our collaborations and exhibitions with artists, theatre, independent fashion labels and designers.”

Get along tomorrow night when Washed Out launches officially; doors are at 8pm, tickets are an easy $15+bf.