7 August 2012

On Thursday 2 August, at the ‘Museums Australia (Victoria)’ annual Award presentation, Shepparton Art Museum was awarded the prestigious Archival Survival Award for Small Museums in recognition of SAM’s redevelopment and rebranding, as well as its excellent exhibition and public programming.

“The museum has done an outstanding job in terms of what they have achieved in the whole package of reinventing themselves and the leap forward has been extraordinary in just one year. They have a strong presence and interact well with the local community and are punching above their weight with great shows by remarkable artists. Since the redevelopment and rebranding the museum is looking very innovative and very exciting”, said the Award’s judges.

Greater Shepparton Mayor, Cr Michael Polan said it was really exciting to see the redevelopment recognised in this way.

“The redevelopment was a significant investment and a large part of our capital works program and it is particularly pleasing to receive such strong recognition for this work. I am incredibly proud as Mayor and as the Arts Advisory Committee representative to see all the hard work put in by Council staff, including the SAM team, on this redevelopment be recognised in this way.

“I would like to thank them for their vision in continuing to position SAM as a leading art space in regional Australia and thank Museums Australia Victoria for this prestigious recognition. I would also like to say thank you to our outgoing Director Community, Julie Salomon who finishes up today (Friday) to take up a role with the City of Monash and has been a key driving force behind this project and the ongoing evolution of SAM.”