As Wangaratta Art Gallery plays host to one of Australia's most iconic paintings, a new Andrews Labor Government program is being developed so more top-notch touring exhibitions can be staged across regional Victoria.
Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson was at Wangaratta Art Gallery today to announce the new program at the official opening of Tom Roberts: Shearing the rams - The artist, the painting, a moment in time.
The exhibition, developed by Wangaratta Art Gallery in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), is a celebration of the 130th anniversary of the much-loved painting and a chance for visitors to Wangaratta Art Gallery to experience one of the NGV's most prized Australian works up close.
The upcoming Regional Collections Access Program will support more exhibitions and partnerships across Victoria, with funding to ensure regional galleries and museums have appropriate facilities to host high-profile loans and to care for their own important collections.
The funding program, which is being developed by Creative Victoria in partnership with industry experts, will respond to the individual needs of galleries, museums and collecting bodies across regional Victoria. Further details about the program will be available in March 2021.
Mr Pearson also announced $115,000 through the Labor Government's Infrastructure Planning and Acceleration Fund to support the Rural City of Wangaratta's creative precinct proposal to enhance the gallery and performing arts centre.
This project will be supported with additional funding by local philanthropic organisations and long-term gallery supporters Kyamba Foundation and the Into Our Hands Foundation. The funding will support feasibility work to examine options for future redevelopment.
The Regional Collections Access Program is part of the Labor Government's investment of more than $220 million through the Victorian Budget 2020-21 to support the recovery and reactivation of the creative industries.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson
"Partnership projects are an important way to share the state collection held by the NGV and other major art collections - they promote regional tourism and enable Victorians to experience the best art wherever they live."
"Our Regional Collections Access Program will bring iconic artworks to galleries across Victoria, attracting visitors and supporting local jobs."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"Wangaratta Art Gallery is one of our many regional cultural gems and I encourage Victorians to hit the road and explore our rich regional arts offering."
