Financial pressures cause Dance Art Etc to close doors

Dance Art Etc, a creative hub in Nambour’s Currie Street, has announced it will permanently close at the end of March 2025. Established two years ago, the venue was known for its arts workshops, community events, and lively open mic nights. However, financial pressures have proven insurmountable.

In a social media post, the founders said: “We have had an incredible 2 years building such a special community... though we are not able to financially sustain it, we are grateful to all the growth, all the beautiful souls we met and all the memories we have created.” 

The announcement follows other closures on Currie Street, reflecting ongoing challenges for local traders, who often struggle with low foot traffic, high costs and perilous traffic flow. Meanwhile, some Currie Street businesses are pinning their hopes on the Sunshine Coast Council’s Nambour Place Plan, which aims to revitalise the town centre. The plan’s key project involves improving the intersection of Currie, Howard, and Mill Streets, focusing on calming traffic and enhancing pedestrian access. 

Although funding from the Department of Transport and Main Roads remains uncertain, Council intends to begin construction this year. Local traders believe that these improvements, including a proposed raised pedestrian crossing, could encourage more visitors and breathe new life into the street.

“The first stage of the Nambour Place Plan will commence construction later this year at focus area one, at the intersection of Currie, Howard and Mill Street,” said Cr David Law.  “I hope that with State MP Marty Hunt’s support we can increase the scope of the project with State Government funding.  These works will start to shift the focus to pedestrians on Currie Street by slowing down the heavy traffic through the centre of the town that will improve safety for everyone.”

Dance Art Etc will host its final open mic on 14 March, giving the community one last chance to gather and celebrate the space. Despite the disappointment, the owners expressed deep gratitude for the support they received and urged residents to keep championing the local arts scene. “Now more than ever we need the arts,” they wrote, “and every little bit counts.”

The closure is a reminder of the difficulties faced by independent ventures in Nambour’s once-thriving Currie Street. However, Council’s pending streetscape revitalisation offers hope that new opportunities will emerge.