Feature - Maleny’s Art and Soul

Maleny is home to a pool of gifted and internationally renowned creators. With talents that range across countless artistic disciplines, Maleny punches well above its weight, says Steve McLeish, chairperson of the newly formed Maleny Arts Co-operative (MAC).

By Judy Fredriksen

As a lover of the arts, I was keen to know more about the newly established Maleny Arts Co-operative (MAC); so I recently tracked down MAC chairperson, Steve McLeish.

Sitting with Steve and Brett Campbell – also from MAC – in the enchanting Maleny Lane, I was in awe of their passion, vision and drive to create better opportunities for local artists.

Just as the fabled phoenix arose from the ashes, MAC has slowly germinated from the void left by the closure of the Upfront Club in 2016.

Since then, live streaming has caused a major downfall in the economy of the music world, while other artists are suffering from the rise of artificial intelligence and the high cost of living.

“The Upfront Club was a social club. But it was also a great supporter of the arts, and the Upfront Monday nights were a very big part of Maleny. They brought a lot of artists and a lot of musicians together,” explains Steve.

After the closure of the Upfront Club, artists would gather in Maleny Lane each week, simply to connect with each other.

“From those meetings, the ‘FrontUp’ chalkboard was born (Maleny Lane, Monday nights) … and a realisation that we wanted to do some good things for the artists in town.”

But one night a week was not enough to help the extensive number of local artists, so Steve, an accomplished saxophonist, and Brett, a renowned mosaic artist, asked themselves: ‘What are we going to do for the artists in Maleny?

We need to help them be a bit more recognised in the town. Have opportunities to get paid. Have opportunities to showcase their work.’

Imbued with determination to help writers, visual artists, performing artists and any other creatives, MAC was born with one ambitious aim: To create a dynamic Arts Precinct in the heart of Maleny.

“The co-op was originally to become an umbrella to hold the FrontUp Chalkboard and Arts Alive,” says Steve. “Arts Alive is a collaboration of all artists.”

In August 2023, the Arts Alive initiative saw Maple Street closed for an evening to host dancers, singers, puppeteers and other street entertainers. Under a clear starry night and festooned in fairy lights, the street was packed as people revelled in the vibrant carnival atmosphere. Maleny Lane, cafes and bookstores stayed open, their warm ambience enhanced by the presence of colourful musicians, poets and storytellers.

Another similar event is planned for 2025, but in the meantime, MAC plans to host smaller quarterly events where all artists are paid on an equitable and profit-share basis.

“We’re trying to create a system where, if we make money, it all goes to the artists. We’re not really a profit-generating organisation,” explains Brett, a former bank manager and the treasurer of MAC. 

As with any new venture though, MAC needs support. 

“I would like to get the businesses involved,” says Steve. He goes on to speculate how the arts movement, environmental movement and the co-operative movement have affected real estate prices.

“The arts movement creates nightlife; creates an artistic environment with beautiful murals and art galleries that are full of incredible things; musicians on the street.”

This, together with an environment of the rolling green hills, coupled with Maleny being named one of Australia’s friendliest towns, attracts many newcomers.

“People see a town that has got beautiful greenery, incredible nightlife and musicians on the street, and are really, really friendly … and they come here, and the real estate prices go way up. Then those real estate prices outprice all of the artists …”

“The businesses all benefit from the amount of money in the tourism that comes through the place. But then, musicians don’t get paid. The artists are struggling … So I would really like the businesses to step up. I would like the real estate agents to step up. The lawyers to step up. The Chamber of Commerce to step up, to support these things.”

As Steve explains, Maleny is already an arts precinct – it has the community centre, Maleny Lane, book shops, cafes, art galleries and artists’ cooperative, Peace of Green.

“But I would really like it recognised by the council as an arts precinct. Then it opens us up to more funding.”

That funding could help support events, upcoming artists, sponsor collaborations, develop youth activities and run school holiday workshops.

Another part of MAC’s vision is to create a Chamber of Arts which would be parallel to the Chamber of Commerce. The two organisations could inform each other so both sectors – business and the arts – have a say in shaping the future of Maleny.

“If you love our arts community and want to see it develop, join up,” invites Brett. “Donate if you can. Help if you can. There are many ways you can help.”

All artists are welcome, though you don’t have to be an artist. MAC is currently putting together small teams to assist with grants, social media and a newsletter.

“The more membership we have, the greater influence we have … If we have a massive membership, it indicates to Maleny that it’s a big part of Maleny,” says Steve.

For more details, check out the MAC website: malenyartscoop.org

0417 605 141