General News
23 February, 2023
Gallery to reveal results of $2 million upgrade
The Central Goldfields Art Gallery will be back in a big way next month — throwing open its doors on March 4 to reveal the results of its more than $2 million renovation. The gallery has been closed for nearly 18 months as the upgrades got...
The Central Goldfields Art Gallery will be back in a big way next month — throwing open its doors on March 4 to reveal the results of its more than $2 million renovation.
The gallery has been closed for nearly 18 months as the upgrades got underway, which include a modernised gallery entrance, extended exhibition space, new reception area, upgraded lighting, environmental controls and improved access.
Now, the curtains will finally be pulled back to reveal the completed internal works with a community celebration to take place at the gallery on March 4.
“The gallery looks absolutely amazing, I cannot get over what they’ve done to bring what was a really old and tired space up to a national standard,” Central Goldfields Shire mayor Grace La Vella said.
“This is another feather in our cap. It’s a state-of-the-art gallery which is equal if not better to any around this region in comparison to size.
“The opening will be a great opportunity for the whole community and all age groups. You have to come along and see it.”
The gallery’s first exhibitions will also be on show from March 4.
The Community Art Exhibition will make its return, showcasing over 60 artworks from local residents around the Central Goldfields Shire and Avoca.
The feature exhibition will be Ladder to the Stars: Dean Bowen Sculptures with pieces from internationally renowned artist Dean Bowen, who was born in Maryborough.
Mr Bowen has held over 90 solo exhibitions in Australia, France, Japan, Switzerland and the UK working in mediums including painting, sculpture and printmaking.
Central Goldfields Art Gallery coordinator Helen Kaptein said she hopes the exhibitions will inspire the community.
“I don’t think there could be a more fitting exhibition to launch this world-class public art gallery than by Dean Bowen,” she said.
“Dean’s gone on to national and international recognition so this exhibition is absolutely grounded in the local, with an internationally acclaimed visual artist.
“Dean’s exhibition is really an optimistic one. His subject matter is based on the every day but it’s universal to us all — it’s about love, hope, animals, and the possibilities of life so I hope that will be inspiring for people.
“The Community Art Exhibition is a long-standing annual exhibition which showcases creativity across the shire and into Avoca. It’s about engaging the community and seeing their work on the walls.
“This year as part of this exhibit we’ve got around 60 crafted objects by students so already the sense of excitement and pride is building.
“We encourage everyone to come in and be inspired.”
The $2 million gallery upgrade project was jointly funded by the Victorian Government and Central Goldfields Shire Council, with a further $355,215 committed by the State Government mid-last year.
The final section of the upgrade — an Indigenous interpretive garden — is expected to get underway later this year.
The official opening will take place on Saturday, March 4 from 10 am to 4 pm and the community is encouraged to come along and see the renovations for themselves, while enjoying children’s activities, coffee cart, food, and entertainment.