21 June 2011

Greater Shepparton City Council has approved a recommendation to rebrand and rename Shepparton Art Gallery to Shepparton Art Museum (SAM).

The rebrand will involve adopting a new logo and visual identity.

Greater Shepparton Deputy Mayor and Art Gallery Advisory Committee Chairperson Michael Polan said the rebrand had come about following significant consultation.

"Consultation was carried out over a six month period, and the results show that overall the public supported the gallery adopting a new identity," Cr Polan said.

"It is hoped that by rebranding the gallery to SAM that it will appeal to a broader demographic of the community, and it will also create a point of difference from other regional galleries."

Gallery staff carried out a number of surveys with members of the public and with students from Shepparton High School, and while there was a diversity of opinion overall respondents wanted to see the gallery become SAM.

Gallery Director Kirsten Paisley said the rebrand would coincide with the reopening of the art gallery following its redevelopment.

"The reopening of the gallery after the major redevelopment, provides a fantastic opportunity for promoting our new collection galleries and new 2012 exhibition and education program. The new name announces these changes and is an opportunity to make a statement about SAM being a place where the whole of the community is welcome."

The gallery will be rolling out the new branding in the lead up to its reopening in February 2012.

For information on the art gallery redevelopment, visit www.sheppartonartgallery.com.au

The Shepparton Art Gallery is a Greater Shepparton City Council facility.