Goldfields Getaway
1 September, 2021
Major facelift for gallery
THE Central Goldfields Art Gallery will be closed from September this year until June 2022 as it undergoes a major renovation. The renovation incorporates the architecture of the former Maryborough Fire Station to create a contemporary gallery while...
THE Central Goldfields Art Gallery will be closed from September this year until June 2022 as it undergoes a major renovation. The renovation incorporates the architecture of the former Maryborough Fire Station to create a contemporary gallery while acknowledging the treasured history of the building.
The range of works exhibited will increase to include attracting touring exhibitions of significant cultural merit and worth to the community. Helen Kaptein is the gallery’s curator and education officer. She is thrilled that the gallery has been recognised as an important cultural asset, both for the local community and those who travel to the area.
“It’s very exciting to be involved in this redevelopment, which will have significant benefits to the community,” Helen said.
“The redevelopment will result in a contemporary, state-of-the-art public art gallery for local people and attract additional visitor numbers coming to enjoy another wonderful public art gallery in Central Victoria.”
The extensive renovation includes a welcoming front entrance using the existing double doors of the original fire station, a new reception area and an extended and modernised main exhibition gallery which will benefit from improved environmental controls. Externally the gallery will feature a new loading dock for deliveries, and an Indigenous interpretative garden. Skylights will introduce light and views to the historic fire tower, with the historic rafters also set to be exposed. As the renovations take place, Helen encourages visitors to the area to visit one of the many community and private art galleries dotted throughout the Central Goldfields.
“We will also be running a ‘pop-up’ exhibition at the Maryborough Railway Station from November 11 to December 5, so drop in and enjoy the diversity and talent within the community that will be on show,” Helen said.