A dedicated philanthropic fundraising campaign has ensured the Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment can proceed.
Led by the Sidney Myer Fund and The Ian Potter Foundation, contributing $4M and $3M respectively, together with a number of private donors, the philanthropic campaign has achieved a total of $9.35M to date. The largest private donation of $1.5M has come from arts philanthropist, Dr Mark Nelson, who has connections to the Bendigo region.
The campaign, driven by the Gallery and a philanthropic fundraising committee chaired by Andrew Myer AM, has generated the largest-ever private investment in the development of civic infrastructure owned and operated by the City of Greater Bendigo.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said this incredible financial support reflected the value of the Gallery to Greater Bendigo and to the state of Victoria.
"Two of Australia's most respected philanthropic foundations connected to the arts have embraced the opportunity to support our redevelopment, recognising the vital connection of culture and creativity to our community and the local economy," Cr Metcalf said.
"In particular, we are delighted to have the support of the Sidney Myer Fund, a name that has had a long connection to Bendigo and also to the Gallery, including the Sidney Myer Work on Paper Gallery added in 2014.
"We sincerely thank Andrew Myer for chairing the fundraising committee and for his incredible enthusiasm for this project and the legacy it will leave.
"Philanthropy is an incredible, living gift for those in the fortunate position to contribute in this way, and the City and Gallery are truly grateful to the foundations and individuals who have kindly chosen to contribute to this next chapter in the history of our esteemed Gallery."
Sidney Myer Fund Chairman Andrew Myer AM said his grandfather, Sidney Myer, opened the first Myer store in Bendigo 125 years ago and the city had been part of his family's DNA ever since.
"My grandfather believed strongly that art, culture and creativity were vital to a good life, and that everyone in the community deserved to have access. Bendigo Art Gallery puts that belief into action and the Sidney Myer Fund is delighted to be able to support this major redevelopment that will serve the people of Bendigo for decades to come," Mr Myer said.
The Ian Potter Foundation CEO Paul Conroy said the Foundation was delighted to support a regional gallery with such a strong reputation.
"The redevelopment plans are impressive and focus on the Gallery's ability to grow visitation and participation, including education programs. Investing in this project strengthens this community asset that will provide further benefits for the wider Bendigo community through access to the arts, increased tourism and subsequent economic growth," Mr Conroy said.
Bendigo Art Gallery Director Jessica Bridgfoot said this level of philanthropic support was unprecedented for Bendigo Art Gallery.
"It is an acknowledgement of the transformative impact arts and culture can have on a regional community and we truly appreciate our donors' investment in the Gallery and Greater Bendigo," Ms Bridgfoot said.
