The transformation of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery has been revealed with the Gallery now open for both community and visitors to enjoy.
The Victorian government, together with council, invested $2 million to the upgrade which has seen one of the Shire’s most significant assets refurbished and extended.
Project architect Nervegna Reed have successfully merged the historic elements of a 19th century fire station with the contemporary standards for presentation of visual art to deliver an inspiring modern public gallery.
Providing multiple opportunities to engage, even before stepping inside, the building now opens its arms wide and encourages interaction and dialogue with visitors and community.
Framing views to an Indigenous Interpretive Garden (to be delivered as part of stage 2 and 3 of the project in 2024) that will reference locally significant cultural sites and traditional fire practices, the space is anchored to its environment. From the inside, there are further opportunities to look up and out, with the result that it is expansive and optimistic.
The Gallery is now open with the first headline exhibition of its 2023 program – Ladder to the Stars: Dean Bowen Sculptures – as well as the annual Community Art exhibition.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Grace La Vella said council was looking forward to welcoming both locals and visitors through the doors to see the newly developed Gallery.
“Thanks to Victorian government funding, our Gallery now has new opportunities to present a greater variety of leading artists and exhibitions in a ‘state of the art’ Galleria for the community, the wider region,” Mayor La vella said.
“The Gallery is yet another quality attractor for our proposed suite of tourism highpoints in Central Goldfields Shire”.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery coordinator Helen Kaptein said the redeveloped Gallery is a space we can all be proud of.
“We’re delighted to have re-opened with the Ladder to the Stars: Dean Bowen Sculptures exhibition. Dean Bowen was born in Maryborough and is now a renowned artist both nationally and internationally.
“The exhibition explores human potential and growth. It comprises 35 sculptures grouped around themes of animals, young people, hope and possibility – which makes this an extremely fitting exhibition through which to launch the redeveloped gallery.
“Visitors are encouraged to enjoy and explore the redeveloped gallery and view artworks from the Gallery’s permanent collection in a stunning new space along with a celebration of local creativity showcased in the popular, annual Community Art exhibition.”
The Central Goldfields Art Gallery is open Thursdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm commencing on Saturday 4 March. Entry is free and all are welcome.
