Skip to content Skip to navigation
Free entry - open 6 days, closed Tuesdays. Opening hours: 10am to 4pm. Elsewhere at SAM café: 8am to 4pm.

Denton Corker Marshall wins new SAM architecture competition

Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce the winner of the new Shepparton Art Museum architectural competition is Denton Corker Marshall.

The architectural competition for a new SAM (Shepparton Art Museum) and building jury recommendation was endorsed at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 April following a comprehensive design competition spanning several months.

The seven member expert jury report noted that the Denton Corker Marshall proposal was unanimously selected as the winning proposal for the Stage 2 Concept Design Competition after a robust and rigorous assessment of the five design concepts against the agreed criteria.

The Denton Corker Marshall proposal stood out because it combined a powerful and relevant conceptual idea – well-resolved and compelling in its sculptural expression and detail – with a highly adaptable, functional, safe and efficient solution, according to the report.

The jury report stated the building as a ‘beacon in the landscape’ and offers an expressive, innovative, contemporary and exciting SAM that works well with its immediate and greater environmental, social and cultural contexts. It is anticipated that the design will make an outstanding contribution to the identity and culture of Shepparton and Victoria.

The jury noted that each of the five shortlisted entries were carefully prepared and commended the entrants for their endeavour. The field of submissions was competitive and the jury considered each design carefully and at length against the design competition’s evaluation criteria. The design objectives clearly articulated specific design requirements which the jury focused on to reach their ultimate decision, which was unanimous.

The 1,417 submissions received from the community were discussed and taken into account by the jury during their deliberations. The jury was impressed with the detailed responses provided by the Greater Shepparton community, and wishes to thank all of those who took the time to provide feedback, of which added significant value to the final report.

On April 18 Council endorsed the jury’s recommendation to announce Denton Corker Marshall Architects as the winner of the Architectural Concept Design for the new Shepparton Art Museum; to award the winner with the prize of $10,000; and to authorise the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate and execute the necessary contract with Denton Corker Marshall in accordance with the provision of the SAM Architectural Concept Design Competition Conditions.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Dinny Adem said the Council was thrilled to endorse the report from the expert jury and was looking forward to seeing the concept designs expanded into construction plans. “The new SAM is going to be something that Greater Shepparton can be proud of well into the future,’ said Cr Adem.

“The new SAM will be a game changer for the region, creating tourism and employment opportunities for Greater Shepparton and beyond. It will provide a cultural centre to our regional city but it will be more than an art museum; it will be a place for learning and experiencing, socialising and celebrations. The selected design is a reflection of what makes Greater Shepparton unique and we congratulate the competition winners in being able to capture this”, explained Cr Adem.

Denton Corker Marshall Design Director Adrian FitzGerald said “Our design is characterised by simplicity and clarity with compelling imagery creating a landmark cultural destination. By making the building small and tall we maximise parkland around the gallery and incorporate numerous places for community interaction, including a Sculpture Forecourt, Community Arbour, Art Hill, cafe and rooftop event venue along with sheltering verandahs to all four sides of the building. It will be an art museum that is a delight to work in and a pleasure to visit – again and again.”

Read more:
First look at new museum design, Artshub
‘Beacon in the landscape’ wins Shepparton Art Museum competition, ArchitectureAU

SAM announces Learning Partnership with University of Melbourne.

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is pleased to announce a new Learning Partnership with The University of Melbourne. The partnership will support the development of significant Indigenous initiatives and activities, embed teaching and learning opportunities for staff and students and establish a platform for collaborative, interdisciplinary cultural impact research.

SAM’s commitment to education spans across all ages and education levels. It has a strong dedication to the development of educational programs for primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Staff and students at tertiary level will have access to SAM’s collection and research, encouraging professional development opportunities as well as the opportunity to deeply engage with SAM’s collection and broader research.

SAM Curatorial Assistant Indigenous, Belinda Briggs, will work with the local Indigenous community and Kaiela Arts in partnership with the University on the co-design of the Museums Indigenous inclusion program along with the development of an Indigenous pathways initiative.

The announcement comes at an exciting time for SAM, as progress continues around the new SAM project. With this transition will come ample opportunity for new research and ideas around both art and the local Shepparton community to come to fruition. The new Art Museum will include a purpose built art museum space. Kaiela Arts and the Greater Shepparton Visitor Information Centre will be co-located in the new building. The new SAM will be a place for learning, enjoyment, a meeting place and great art.

Director of SAM Dr Rebecca Coates said:

‘We are delighted to be partnering with The University of Melbourne for this learning partnership. This is an exciting partnership that will enable us to continue to develop our work around teaching and learning and build Indigenous inclusivity.’

Australian and Indigenous Studies Expert from the University of Melbourne, Professor Marcia Langton AM said:

‘It’s my very great pleasure to announce the learning partnership between the University of Melbourne and the Shepparton Art Museum as part of our broader commitment to the Goulburn Valley. In the first twelve months, we will collaborate on a range of research, teaching and learning activities; establishing a platform across disciplines for Cultural Impact Research. We hope that this will come about in different ways, including through an Indigenous Inclusion Program, developed with the museum and Yorta Yorta people. There’s so much potential for this partnership, and I’m so honoured to announce it on behalf of the University.’

Further information, interviews requests and print quality images:
SAM Marketing Coordinators | (03) 5832 9494 | amina.barolli@shepparton.vic.gov.au or sarah.werkmeister@shepparton.vic.gov.au

IMAGE: L-R: Marcia Langton, Rebecca Coates, Belinda Briggs and Mary Robb. Photo by Diana Spriggs.

SAM is looking for a Business Development Manager

An exciting position exists for a Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) Business Development Manager. This is a new position for the new Shepparton Art Museum Project and the ongoing structure of new SAM.

We are seeking a highly motivated professional who will support the transition of business from the current SAM to the new SAM facility. You will be part of an exciting new $34.5M development in Regional Victoria (Shepparton).

Working closely with, and reporting to the Director SAM, this position will be responsible for the new Shepparton Art Museum transition, including all staffing requirements, IT and communication, finance and set up of the new purpose built facility, management and accountability of all grants and funding agreements, including acquittal reporting and coordination of the transfer of the art collection,.  This position will initially have a lead role in the liaison between Kaiela Arts and Visitor Information transition.

The successful applicant would have a strong leadership profile, demonstrated management experience in a business and commercial operations environment financial management, preferably in the cultural sector, and demonstrable success in the initiation and implementation of partnership and sponsorship strategies and campaigns, and public building and cultural infrastructure projects. 

To join the SAM team you will be required to have a tertiary qualification at a degree level in business management, high level experience in business development in an arts environment and proven financial management experience / Chartered Accountant or CPA. 

For a full position description and to apply please go to the Greater Shepparton City Council website https://greatershepparton.com.au.

For more information about this position please contact Rebecca Coates, Director SAM on 03 5832 9861.