“A gift of $20m from a mysterious international donor could be the start of a major restoration for one of Queensland’s most-loved buildings—The Old Museum at Bowen Hills,” writes Phil Brown in Thursday’s (6/23) Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Australia). “To help the cause, the state budget this week allocated $7.6m for the building [for] business case and master planning [and] maintenance over the next four years. The Old Museum has been used as a film set, but primarily is home to the acclaimed Queensland Youth Orchestras. The anonymous donor is a big fan of the organization and wants to help secure QYO’s long-term future in the beloved heritage venue. QYO has trained thousands of classical musicians over the decades … QYO president, former arts minister Ian Walker, said the business case funding, coupled with this $20m donation, ‘Our vision for the restoration would make it possible for us to share these heritage spaces with all of Queensland. In addition to creating a world-class, medium-sized concert hall, a full restoration would include additional rehearsal and administrative facilities for QYO, and a repurposing of the Exhibition Hall and basement spaces for all creative Queenslanders to use and enjoy.’ ”
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