The Gallery that keeps on giving.
Tucked in the heart of Central Victoria, the Central Goldfields Art Gallery (CGAG) continues to prove that regional galleries can shine just as brightly as their city counterparts—if not brighter. Over the past few years, this beloved gallery has quietly built a national and even international reputation, all while remaining deeply connected to its local community.
One of its most exciting recent honours comes from the National Gallery of Australia, which chose CGAG as one of just six Australian wide regional galleries to feature in a new short documentary series. The project will contribute to a report for the Federal Minister for the Arts—a wonderful recognition of the gallery's impact far beyond Maryborough.
CGAG's stunning redevelopment has played a big part in its rising profile. It was Highly Commended in 2023 at the Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards, and just last week, its architects—Nervegna Reed—won top honours for Heritage Architecture at the Victorian Architecture Awards. The project even reached international eyes at the 2023 Venice Biennale for Architecture.
But accolades aside, the heart of CGAG remains its people and its purpose. On Saturday the gallery hosted - and I was honoured to announce - the 7th biennial Golden Textures Contemporary Art Quilt Award, with 19 quilts from across Australia on show. Sue De Vanny took out the $3,000 prize, and the celebration was warm, thrilling, and deeply felt.
CGAG is more than a gallery—it's a place of pride, connection, and creativity. A reminder that great art, and great stories, thrive in every corner of the country.
Mayor Councillor Grace La Vella
