After a major refurbishment the doors of the Benalla Regional Art Gallery will reopen allowing visitors and the
community of north-east Victoria to once again enjoy the best of Australian art.
'The rejuvenation of the Benalla Regional Art Gallery has set the tone for its future,' Federal Minister for the Arts and the
Centenary of Federation, Peter McGauran, said.
'The Gallery will now be able to draw major travelling exhibitions, which will help improve the Gallery's regional
community focus, tourist appeal and commercial viability,' he said.
The redevelopment included improved existing exhibition space for the Gallery's permanent collection and travelling
exhibitions.
The Gallery also significantly expanded and enhanced visitor facilities and disability access, and upgraded existing
security, surveillance and fire protection systems.
This extensive redevelopment was funded by a $500,000 Federation Fund grant from the $12 million allocated to
Victoria's regional art galleries, and an additional $300,000 from the Gallery's Bennett Bequest.
As a part of the ceremony, Mr McGauran officially unveiled a plaque commemorating the project and announced the
naming of the Gladys Bennett and Arch Simpson Galleries.
To coincide with the reopening the Minister also revealed the Gallery's two Jubilee Year acquisitions - Joan Byrne
exhibited from Benalla by Albert Tucker and Lost Child by Juan Davila.
'These acquisitions will be an enlightening and rewarding experience for the many visitors to the region,' Mr McGauran
said.
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