19 June 2011

Over the next year, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting will be installed throughout the whole of Shepparton Art Gallery, as part of a $1.98 million dollar upgrade of the facility.

The Shepparton Art Gallery is believed to be the first gallery in Australia to commit to a total overhaul utilising new LED technology.

Gallery Director Kirsten Paisley said the installation of LED lighting will dramatically improve the carbon emissions of the Gallery, providing an annual reduction in power cost to Council of $14,000.

“It will significantly improve the quality of light in the six new collection galleries and the two temporary galleries, and ultimately provide visitors with a much clearer and more accurate view of the artworks,” Ms Paisley said.

“A further benefit of the new lighting system is that it does not produce any UV light, making it a safe option for the conservation of fragile items such as works on paper.”

The tender for this major redevelopment was awarded to Frank Morretto Building on Tuesday 7 June 2011.
In the meantime the gallery will remain closed until the end of the year however there is now an information booth and small shop in the foyer of the Eastbank Centre open from Monday to Friday 11.00am to 3.00pm.

– Released 20 June