First constructed in the 1890s as a gatekeeper’s cottage for the Cataract Gorge, the cottage has since been extensively used for artists in residence, managed by QVMAG and the City of Launceston council.

In the council’s 2018-2019 fees and charges proposal, costs for the use of the cottage nearly doubled per week, up from $259 to $500.

Council’s general manager Michael Stretton said the Kings Bridge Cottage was a “major cultural asset” that had recently been renovated.

“A major renovation program was undertaken last year, including interior painting, the construction of new storage areas, installation of new kitchen benchtops, addition of new furniture, construction of more shelving, provision of internet access, replacement of linen and kitchenware items, and other upgrades,” Mr Stretton said.

"Fees and charge for the cottage have not been reviewed for several years, and it was timely to review them in conjunction with the council's proposed budget.

"Charges have increased because the cost of maintaining the building has increased, and because it's appropriate to have a fee structure that correlates with the cost of the provision of the facility.”

Mr Stretton said QVMAG was working on an international-standard residency program which would invite artists, historians and scientists to work on a specific community project.

“It will also offer the opportunity for artists to work with QVMAG staff and with our collection, which is something we are very excited about,” he said.

Mr Stretton said the cottage was not highly used last year due to the renovation projects, but in the past the demand for the artist in residence program had seen artists turned away.

Perched high over the Cataract Gorge, the cottage has in the past been ‘gift wrapped’ by artists, and has hosted map-makers, jewellers and more.