Excitement is building at the Central Goldfields Art Gallery in readiness for the $1.9 million redevelopment project to commence.
The Gallery is now closed, and the Gallery collection re-located to make way for the project which has been made possible thanks to $1.7 million from the Victorian Government and $273,000 from Council's 2020/21 Budget.
Whilst the Gallery is closed for redevelopment, locals and visitors can continue to connect with and enjoy Gallery programs in other ways and locations.
- The regular school holiday program is still on offer these school holidays with events being held at the Phillips Gardens.
- The annual Community Arts exhibition will be held at the Maryborough Railway Station from 11 November to 5 December 2021.
- Gallery volunteers will be kept busy behind the scenes supporting a range of projects including research, archiving and other projects
- Some of the Gallery's collection can be enjoyed in a variety of locations around the shire including the Maryborough and Dunolly Library
- Information about the Gallery's art collection will be shared during the redevelopment through the upcoming launch of the digitised collection and through the Gallery newsletter, Facebook and Instagram pages and newspaper articles
Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Councillor Geoff Lovett said it was exciting to see the redevelopment of one of the Shire's most significant tourism assets move to the next most significant and exciting stage.
"Identified as one of Council's Priority Projects and a transformational project in the Central Goldfields Shire Tourism and Events Strategy 2020 – 2025, the redevelopment of our Gallery will create opportunities to present a great variety of art to the local community and wider region.
"Whilst the Gallery might be closed over the coming months I congratulate the Gallery team for their creativity in continuing to provide opportunities for our community and visitors to our Shire with access to the arts."
Central Goldfields Art Gallery Curator and Education Officer Helen Kaptein said the redevelopment was symbolic of the way in which the arts are being supported and embraced in the Shire.
"The project will see Central Goldfields Art Gallery upgraded to meet the requirements of a contemporary public art gallery and ensure the Gallery meets national standards in the presentation of artworks for both touring exhibitions and local content.
"The permanent collection will be properly stored and displayed and visitor facilities will be extended and improved to ensure all ages and abilities are welcomed to the Gallery. A new entrance will be introduced, designed in a way that local people and visitors are encouraged to come on in and enjoy their public art gallery!"
The Gallery's collection has been relocated to off-site storage in Melbourne and to appropriate public and council owned spaces around the Shire.
The Gallery has also collaborated with the Ararat Gallery TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australia) who will store and exhibit the art quilts from the permanent collection during the closure.
The new look Central Goldfields Art Gallery is scheduled to re-open in winter 2022 with an exciting program of new exhibitions and improved visitor services associated with a dynamic, contemporary public art gallery.
Central Goldfields residents and visitors can keep connected with the Gallery during the redevelopment via the following ways:
