29 October 2021

Since August Shepparton Art Museum Ltd has been working closely with CAF Consulting in Shepparton to develop an expression of interest and tender process for the new SAM Café. 

The new tender and lease process will happen over two phases: expression of interest followed by formal tender application with the aim for appointment by the end of February 2022. 

In the coming week prospective service providers will be invited to submit an expression of interest outlining their vision for the new café located in the SAM Building. Shortlisted parties will then be invited to submit a formal tender. 

Shepparton Art Museum Ltd is dedicated to ensuring all prospective applicants have time to prepare their pitch, outlining their vision for the new Café before applying. SAM acknowledges the challenging climate for colleagues in the hospitality sector over the last 18 months. This is a great opportunity for the right provider as SAM opens and welcome visitors and our community. In the interim, the SAM Café will be operated by Eastbank under the Greater Shepparton City Council and will be operating in time for the opening on November 20. In addition to seeking a local proprietor, the EOI will be published widely in the hospitality market. 

For further information about the process please contact Andrew Gooley, SAM Business Manager agooley@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au. 

Ends

Background: The new café is located in the SAM building on Victoria Park Lake’s southern end and overlooks the wetlands and native bushland of the Goulburn River. It provides an exceptional view from both the second level café with outdoor terrace and the top floor function space with bar. 

The five storey, metal clad building houses the new Shepparton Art Museum, indigenous art gallery and workshop Kaiela Arts, and the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre. The building was designed by internationally renowned architects Denton Corker Marshall and was built by award winning Kane Constructions. 

ABOUT SAM: Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is one of Australia’s outstanding regional art museums, showcasing our exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways and creating a welcoming, inclusive and engaging space for all audiences. Artists are central to our work. Our programming is designed to be locally relevant and engage with global contemporary ideas. 

SAM is recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection, and our nationally significant collection of Indigenous art. As the only public art museum in Greater Shepparton and north central Victoria, our mission is to present great art in Shepparton, and to contribute to the cultural enrichment, community engagement and economic prosperity of the region. 

 Media enquiries, please contact: Gabriella Calandro, Engagement Manager SAM p: (03) 4804 5020 e: gcalandro@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au