Council welcomes Gallery funding pledge
Published on 14 November 2022
Benalla Rural City Council welcomes a funding pledge from the Victorian Liberal National Coalition to progress redevelopment plans for the Benalla Art Gallery.
Liberal Candidate for Euroa, Brad Hearn and Nationals Candidate for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, were at the Benalla Art Gallery last Tuesday with Shadow Minister for the Arts and Creative Industries, David Davis to announce the $10 million election commitment.
Benalla Art Gallery Director Eric Nash said the significant redevelopment of the Gallery would include additional exhibition spaces, dedicated children’s interactive space, expanded Collection storage and restoration spaces, and critical upgrades to climate control to ensure the future of the collection.
“Funding for the arts is critical in a regional community like Benalla, and $10 million for the Gallery would go a long way towards realising long-held community ambitions to bring our Gallery up to modern public gallery standards, something that will in-turn help attract future exhibitions,” Mr Nash said.
Benalla Art Gallery is already renowned for presenting incredible exhibitions that are a significant tourism drawcard, something that has a significant flow-on benefit to the local economy.
A redevelopment would deliver new engagement opportunities and public spaces for our community, which we know will have a positive effect on local education, health and wellbeing, community connection, and civic pride.” he said.
Shadow Minister for the Arts and Creative Industries David Davis, agreed that the upgrade would further strengthen the Benalla Art Gallery as an important cultural hub for North East Victoria.
“Delivering world-class facilities at Benalla Art Gallery will ensure this destination will attract visitors and support locals for generations to come, whilst celebrating one of Victoria’s most historic regional art galleries,” Mr Davis said.
This commitment will ensure the Gallery can continue to host world-class exhibitions for years to come.”
Liberal Candidate Brad Hearn said a future expansion of Benalla Art Gallery would be a boost to the local community and support the sustainability of the regional arts sector.
“This commitment of support to the multiple teams who have been working on this project is the next step in developing a wonderful arts and cultural precinct here in Benalla, whilst helping to reduce the rates burden on locals, Mr Hearn said.
I’m proud to advocate for a project that deserves support and gives back to the community members that are working towards growing the Arts and preserving the local history and culture of the Benalla district.”
Nationals Candidate Annabelle Cleeland said investing into the gallery would strengthen Benalla’s position as a regional leader of cultural tourism.
“The heart of Benalla has so much to offer with great botanical gardens, top class sporting grounds and if The Nationals are elected a huge investment in the gallery.”
“This will cement the gallery’s place as one of the best cultural tourist sites of the North East and be a great boost to the local economy.”