Federal arts minister Paul Fletcher and Tangney MP Ben Morton check out some of the artworks at the Atwell Gallery, which will be upgraded and expanded if the Liberals retain power.

TANGNEY MP Ben Morton has secured a $750,000 commitment to upgrade and expand Atwell House if the Morrison government is returned next month.

The funding would be used to create new art studios, toilets, an office and cafe and upgrades to the gallery space, with plans already drawn up by Melville council.

The former historic dairy is now the base for the Melville Community Arts Association, which has been dreaming of the expansion for years.

“I have been working with the [federal] minister for the arts for years to support this association, and I was very pleased to take the minister for a tour of Atwell House recently,” Mr Morton said.

Potters

“I have been a great supporter of the association over many years, securing them solar panels to help with their power costs, a new kiln for the potters group – which currently operate out of a small shed – and new gallery lighting to make art exhibitions even better for our local community.”

MCAA vice president Barrie-Anne Morgan said she’d been working with Mr Morton for years to secure the funding.

“Our committee has been calling for the City of Melville and the federal and state government to invest in us so we can grow and provide more services through community arts in the future,” Ms Morgan said.