The gallery is a well-established social and cultural venue that presents a range of local and touring exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing art from its permanent collection and exhibitions by artists who live in the region. The gallery also provides opportunities for the wider community with education programs, workshops, interviews and talks.
Investing in regional Victoria’s dynamic arts industry
The nearly $2 million upgrade to the gallery commenced in July 2020 with Stage 1 funded under the Regional Infrastructure Fund for $500,000, plus Stage 2 and 3 funded for $1.2m under the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Investment Fund - Stimulus Round. The project is a partnership between the Victorian Government and the Central Goldfields Shire Council, with a contribution of $273,000.
Key upgrades include an improved entryway and reception area; the expansion of the main exhibition space; a new permanent collection gallery plus smaller pop-up exhibition spaces; new collection storage; an upgrade to the education, community and artists workshop area; skylights to bring in more natural light and give visitors direct views of the historic fire tower; and general landscaping with an Indigenous interpretative garden.
There will also be an updated lighting system, Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)-compliant access ramps, a workshop area, a kitchen for events, toilets and a loading dock. New environmental controls will make it easier for loans between galleries.
The redevelopment will see a broader range of exhibitions and programs in a larger space
“It is expected that this funding will increase opportunities to present a greater variety of art and exhibitions for the community and wider region,” commented Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor.
Future-focused design to transform exhibition spaces
Identified as one of the Central Goldfields Shire Council's priority initiatives and a transformational project in the Central Goldfields Shire Tourism and Events Strategy, the redevelopment will create a modern design that will significantly enhance the value of the gallery as a vibrant arts space for social, educational and cultural experiences in regional Victoria.
Once completed in late 2022, the revamped Central Goldfields Art Gallery will host more visitors, display multiple exhibitions and collections concurrently, and welcome more people from the community with engaging shows, activities and programs. It will also nurture talent and grow opportunities for local artists to exhibit in a state-of-the-art space.
