An exclusive exhibition celebrating Mildura Arts Centre's (MAC) 70th anniversary will open this weekend, providing a rare opportunity to experience a never-before-seen collection of artwork representing the 70-year history of MAC.
2D or not 2D will officially open at 2.30pm this Saturday, 25 July and run through until late November this year.
Mildura's Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Healy said the exhibition takes its name from the transitional period in which MAC came into being.
"The 1950s marked an exciting coming of age for Australia's arts scene, as artists moved away from the conservative, colonial, romantic and realist traditions that had long mirrored Europe, embracing bold new ideas that challenged convention and pushed creative boundaries," Cr Healy said.
"It was just before this vibrant period that Mildura Arts Centre's foundations were laid when Senator RD Elliott bequeathed an impressive collection of British and European artwork to Mildura City Council, in preference to the National Gallery of Victoria in 1944.
"The Council of the time then purchased the former home of WB and Hattie Chaffey - Rio Vista - in 1950, which was to house this collection, establishing what would become one of regional Australia's most significant cultural institutions."
Cr Healy said the artistic shift of the 1950s also saw sculpture emerge as a major art form, challenging the long-held dominance of two-dimensional (2D) painting in galleries.
"Mildura was at the forefront of this movement through its internationally recognised Sculpture Triennials, which helped redefine contemporary art in Australia and cemented the city's reputation as a leader in artistic innovation," she said.
Exhibition curators Marg and Stephen Naylor explained that in finalising the collection for 2D or not 2D two clear elements emerged - work from within the region by those who have lived, were born or had extended stays in the region, and works from outside the region.
MAC's main gallery will be split into two segments to display these elements, featuring a combination of artwork from the Mildura Arts Centre Collection and collections from across the country.
These works include John Davis's 'Unrolled Piece 1973', which sits at the centre of the exhibition, speaking of a Mildura High School teacher who went on to become one of Australia's great sculptors, representing Australia at the Venice Biennale in 1978.
Cr Healy encouraged the community to embrace the exhibition and join in celebrating Mildura Arts Centre's 70th anniversary.
"2D or not 2D is a rare opportunity to see this remarkable collection of artworks that captures an exciting and influentials period of the arts in Australia" the Deputy Mayor said.
"It's also a chance to celebrate a significant milestone for our beautiful Mildura Arts Centre and recognise its enduring contribution to our region's cultural life over the past 70 years."
2D or not 2D
Celebrating 70 Years
Galleries 1 + 2
25 July - 29 November
Exhibition Opening: Saturday 25 July. 2.30pm
Curator Talk: Sunday 26 July. 2.30pm.
Mildura Arts Centre History
Mildura Arts Centre's foundations were laid in 1950 when Rio Vista which was built in 1889, the former home of WB and Hattie Chaffey, was purchased by Council for £18,000.
- It was acquired to house the significant art collection bequeathed by Senator R D Elliott in 1944.
- Additional works were later bequeathed by Mrs Hilda Elliott in 1970.
- The refitted and extended art gallery officially opened on 25 May 1956, opened by Governor of Victoria General Sir Dallas Brooks.
- In 1966, a dedicated art gallery and theatre were added, officially opened by Victorian Premier Sir Henry Bolte on 22 November 1966.
- In 2012, Stage 1 of the Mildura Arts and Cultural Precinct redevelopment was completed, creating a new performing arts venue.
- The Mildura Sculpture Triennials ran from 1961 to 1988 and established Mildura as an important name on the national arts scene.
- The Triennials' legacy remains visible today through public art displayed on the lawns and along Deakin Avenue.
- Today, Mildura Arts Centre includes Rio Vista Historic House, five gallery spaces, Sculpture Park, VISTA cafe bar, and a 500-seat performing arts theatre.
