27 October 2014

Research into a possible new Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) jointly funded by Greater Shepparton City Council and Regional Development Victoria, has reached another milestone with the completion of Phase Two of the project.

Approximately 300 people participated in face to face interviews, workshops, briefings and through an online platform, called 'Share Your Vision', which allowed interested stakeholders to post their ideas for the future SAM and review other people's ideas.

An additional 300 people who had visited and stayed in regional Victoria and visited an art museum in the past 12 months provided strong data on which experiences were most likely to attract visitors to Greater Shepparton.

The consultation generated several common themes for a potential new SAM which will be explored further in public consultations in November.

Phase Three of the Feasibility Study will provide another opportunity for additional consultation, exploring the common themes. The feasibility project is running over four phases and should be completed by the end of 2014. The final report will be presented to Council in the coming months.

The Feasibility Study and workshops are being conducted by Simon McArthur & Associates who have an extensive background in cultural tourism development including the highly awarded Q Station Retreat on Sydney's North Head.

Interested members of the public can attend a workshop at Shepparton Art Museum, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, from 6 – 8pm on Wednesday 12 November. Please RSVP by 7 November to Jane Westcott (Consultation Coordinator) via email janewestcott65@gmail.com or phone 0448 068 023.