Funding announced for Gallery redevelopment
Published on 14 May 2020
Central Goldfields Shire Council has been successful in securing $500,000 for the redevelopment of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery through the Victorian Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Central Goldfields Shire Chief Administrator Noel Harvey said Council was thrilled to receive $500,000 from the State Government to upgrade and extend Central Goldfields Art Gallery.
“The refurbishment of the Gallery was identified as a priority in the Central Goldfields Shire Tourism and Events Strategy 2020 – 2025 following extensive consultation across our Shire and represents the first major step in its implementation.
“This refurbishment will also open up many opportunities to present a greater variety of art and exhibitions and contemporary public gallery facilities for the community and wider region.”
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes yesterday announced 35 projects in rural and regional communities that will share in over $16 million in the Regional Infrastructure Fund to improve liveability and attract more residents and visitors to towns.
Funding will enable upgrades to the 1861 historic fire station in which the Gallery is situated, including opening the wooden doors at the front of the Gallery to create a welcoming entrance, increasing gallery exhibition spaces and installation of improved environmental and climate controls.
The upgrade will pave the way for a larger and more varied program of art to be presented for the local community and visitors to the region.
As a result of the funding, internal gallery spaces will be remodelled including improved storage facilities for the shire’s art collection, creation of an open and contemporary reception along with improved accessibility and visitor services amenities.
The project will provide a boost to the local economy through compliance with the government’s Local Job’s First Act Work and the refurbishment is expected to be completed by late 2021.
The funding submission to the State Government was supported by a significant number of letters of support locally and regionally from the arts and culture, business, tourism and educational sectors.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery Curator and Education Officer Helen Kaptein said the Gallery team was over the moon with the news.
“This is a huge milestone for the Gallery and the local and wider community. The refurbishment will continue to build the ongoing development of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery under the guidance of Kay Parkin over the last 15 years.
“Around the world, there are examples of public art galleries pivotal to thriving, sustainable and healthy communities.
“We are excited at the increased exhibition space and associated increase to the variety of exhibitions we will be able to present and the way in which visitors will be encouraged and welcomed to visit their very own local art gallery.”