Share Your Vision for a Future SAM
21 September 2014
Tourism consultants Simon McArthur & Associates commenced the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) Feasibility Study recently and are asking interested people to contribute to the study.
“People who would like to share their vision for a future SAM are able to go online and simply provide a few words about what they would encourage them to visit the art museum,” said Project Director Simon McArthur.
“People’s thoughts will be published on the live site for others to view. You might find some ideas you like and want to champion them yourself.”
Simon McArthur & Associates spent their first two weeks talking with SAM stakeholders, exploring the current SAM and visiting sites where a potential new SAM could be located.
“We are overwhelmed by the strong support for this project, and the consistent vision for what a new SAM could strive for – a vision that would benefit locals and visitors,” he said.
“The next stage will include interviews, workshops and an online opportunity for locals and people across Australia to suggest ideas. The Project Board will assess the options and decide which one or combination has the most merit,” he said.
“The Study will then develop the preferred option, test and refine it, cost its development and operation, and determine its potential economic and social impacts,” said Simon. “Assuming that the chosen option is feasible, the final stage involves full documentation and a Business Plan, so that funding can be sought.”
“We know the community and our team can create some fantastic options, the challenge will be to choose and refine one that is feasible – but we love a challenge,” Simon said.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Jenny Houlihan said it was an exciting time for Council and SAM. “This is a great opportunity for the Greater Shepparton community to contribute to ideas for a potential new SAM, in a fun interactive way. Everyone can have input and present their thoughts and ideas,” said Cr Houlihan.
Simon McArthur & Associates have an extensive background in cultural tourism development including the highly awarded Q Station retreat on Sydney’s North Head.
For further information about the project please contact Project Director Simon McArthur on 0427 240 664.
SAM Feasibility Study to Commence
3 September 2014
Consultancy services for a possible new Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) Feasibility Study have been procured with the study to be undertaken by Simon McArthur and Associates.
A Tender Evaluation Panel comprising Council and SAM staff and Regional Development Victoria considered all applications. Simon McArthur and Associates are specialists in the cultural, indigenous and tourism development sectors and the feasibility study will be led by Principal Simon McArthur.
The Study is being undertaken to determine and assess the options for a possible future new facility for SAM and provide recommendations for the delivery of the preferred option. The purpose of the Study is to identify the available options for SAM to grow its program, collections, impact in the region and in the sphere of visual arts in Australia.
Greater Shepparton City Council Director Community, Kaye Thomson says the Study "will identify and assess options for the growth of SAM, including the viability of a new Museum and provide recommendations to address the current constraints and limitations."
"The business planning components of the overall study will provide advice about the substance, governance and form of a possible new SAM and its intended and potential impact in the region."
The Study will provide a clear picture about the ability of a new SAM to propel forward arts led economic and social growth for the region, through the creation of a major cultural and educational tourist attraction which will drive visitation and dramatically improve perceptions of Greater Shepparton as a place to visit, live and invest.
"We expect the Feasibility Study will be completed within the next few months," said Ms Thomson. "Once we have all the options Council will be able to make an informed decision about the direction for a possible new SAM."
Media enquiries Sonja King (03) 5832 9701 or 0407 523 945
Media releases can be viewed online at www.greatershepparton.com.au
‘Angels’ a Success
2 September 2014
Shepparton Art Museum’s new exhibition Delinquent Angel: John Perceval’s Ceramic Angels was officially opened on Saturday 30 August by Arts Victoria Director, Andrew Abbott. Over 200 people viewed 38 angels created by Perceval, together for the first time.
‘It is without doubt a world-class exhibition and a great credit to the SAM team,’ senior acting curator and former Shepparton Art Gallery director Joe Pascoe said. ‘The whole presentation is outstanding, from the specially-made display furniture and carefully positioned labels, through to the documentation which is impressive and accessible. Some plinths are placed at children’s height to ensure that the whole family can enjoy viewing the many differently themed angels. It really is a must see event that people will talk about for years to come.
‘The exhibition has had an outstanding response in its first few days. Though it is not for us at SAM to praise ourselves – the quiet and deeply sincere appreciation of John Perceval’s daughter Celia, travelling all the way from England, blessing the project as worthy of her beloved and wonderful father.’
Following the official opening, the Friends of SAM presented the sell-out fundraising event, A Toast to the Angels: Gala Dinner and Wine Auction. The Victorian Wines Show provided winning wines from 2013 for guests to celebrate and toast to the angels, with Goulburn Valley wineries and vineyards donating lots that were auctioned off by Geoff Dobson. With the event selling out and approximately $14,000 raised, the
Friends of SAM president Barb Gray said:
‘The Friends of SAM committee are absolutely thrilled with the amount of money raised. We have received so much positive feedback from attendees about their experience, the wonderful food by Jill and Bernard Hayes, and the selection of table wines. We would like to thank the Victorian Wines Show and Goulburn Valley wineries for their very generous contribution. $14,000 was raised on the night. All of the money that the Friends of SAM raise is used to support SAM often to acquire new artworks to be enjoyed by all of the community.’
View the Angels
Delinquent Angel brings together 38 John Perceval’s inspiring angel sculptures produced during the 1950s and 1960s in admiration of their technical and conceptual sophistication, humour and beguiling charm. The exhibition at SAM is the largest collection of works from the series ever brought together in a single showing.
These angels have been brought together from across Australia, from major institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Australian War Memorial and Art Gallery of South Australia, to the many generous private lenders. SAM is fortunate enough to own three angels by Perceval, including the Delinquent Angel (1961) that you may have seen since it was acquired by the then Shepparton Art Gallery in 1976.
If you’re interested in learning more about John Perceval and his ceramic angel series, visit SAM on Tuesday 23 September when director and curator of the exhibition Kirsten Paisley will present a floor talk on the exhibition. This is a free event. Also coming up is Strings, High Tea and Perceval’s Angels on Saturday 4 October and Saturday 1 November, where you can enjoy live heavenly and ethereal sounds by GV Concert Orchestra and electric duo Wildebeest respectively, while viewing the exhibition. Click here for further information. SAM has also generated a blog for the exhibition, where a range of images and articles are being reproduced as a great resource to the show along with a newly added video interview with Celia Perceval. You can also follow regular updates on SAM’s Facebook page.
Delinquent Angel: John Perceval’s Ceramic Angels is now showing until Sunday 23 November 2014. Entry is free. SAM is open 7 days from 10am to 4pm (public holidays 1pm to 4pm).
Image: Celia Perceval travelled from England to attend the opening of her father’s exhibition on Saturday 30 August at SAM. She is pictured with ‘Winkie Angel’, who is based on her as a child.
MEDIA Amina Barolli, SAM Marketing Co-ordinator p (+61 3) 5832 9522 amina.barolli@shepparton.vic.gov.au m (+61) 400 578 609