After a quarter of a century at the cultural heart of Lake Macquarie, the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang is in full bloom.
The Booragul venue will mark its 25th birthday on Saturday 14 November with a major community celebration, showcasing the venue's evolution from a traditional regional gallery into one of regional Australia's leading cultural destinations.
In Full Bloom will also recognise the 30th anniversary of the adjoining outdoor MAC yapang Sculpture Park, and five years of Speers Point Park's Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima.
The event will feature artist workshops, live music, family activities, sculpture park tours, a silent auction and the chance for visitors to take home original artworks.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the milestone was an opportunity to reflect on MAC yapang's contribution to the city's cultural identity.
"MAC yapang has become much more than a gallery. It's a place where people come together to share ideas, explore creativity and connect with the stories that shape our community," he said.
"Through exhibitions, public art, learning programs and community events, the venue has helped foster a thriving arts culture in Lake Macquarie while supporting generations of artists and audiences."
City Art Gallery Arts Producer Jasmine Kean said that since opening in 2001, MAC yapang had expanded its reach and offerings, embracing contemporary art practices, First Nations programming, artist development opportunities and community-led cultural experiences.
And while the venue's purpose remained consistent, the way it engaged audiences had changed significantly.
"Over the past 25 years, our spaces have grown and evolved from a traditional regional gallery into a dynamic cultural destination that presents contemporary exhibitions, First Nations programming, public art, events, learning experiences and community-led activities," Ms Kean said.
"While the purpose of inspiring creativity and cultural participation remains the same, the way we engage audiences has become far more diverse and inclusive."
"At our core, we create pathways for artists to grow in their careers and for visitors to be exposed to fantastic art practices."
Ms Kean said audience expectations had shifted substantially over the past quarter-century.
"Audiences now expect interactive experiences, artist talks, workshops, digital engagement and opportunities to participate, and we've adapted to meet those expectations," she said.
"We also have stronger connections with local artists, communities and cultural partners than ever before."
The milestone comes at a significant time for the wider Lake Arts Precinct, with Awaba House recently reopening alongside an active Sculpture Park and a strong calendar of exhibitions and events.
"We're entering an exciting new chapter for our site," Ms Kean said.
"The Lake Arts Precinct is better positioned than ever to support artists and engage audiences."
The In Full Bloom birthday celebration will feature creative family activities, Sculpture Park tours, workshops led by local artists, live music from the Hunter Valley Ramblers, face painting, an artist talk, food and drinks at Awaba House and a silent auction fundraiser featuring works by local artists.
There is also a $40 'pass the parcel' activity, with each layer unwrapped by participants revealing an original artwork for them to keep.
Proceeds from the event will support purchase of new artworks and future arts programs.
