Invitation to Participate Cultural Inclusion through Art
17 December 2012
As part of the LEAD (Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity) Program, Greater Shepparton City Council would like to invite you to be a part of an art project which aims to address the issues of race based discrimination and cultural diversity in the local area.
LEAD is a four year pilot program aimed to promote positive attitudes towards cultural diversity and decrease discriminatory attitudes and behaviours within our community. Greater Shepparton City Council was funded by Vic Health to implement LEAD due to Council's strong track record in working to support diversity and address disadvantage. LEAD works with the whole community to ensure they understand the impact of race based discrimination on people's health and wellbeing and equip them with the tools to reduce race based discrimination. LEAD is working in a number of settings within Greater Shepparton including education, employment, sport and recreation and communications and social marketing. The program is being heavily evaluated by University of Melbourne.
LEAD is now commencing work in the Arts and Culture Setting with the aim of breaking down barriers between cultures and promoting pro-diversity and anti-discriminatory behaviour through the development and creation of art and cultural activities.
We are currently seeking artists from a variety of cultural backgrounds to become involved in the project.
The project will involve each artist creating an A0 artwork which explores cultural diversity and race based discrimination. These artworks will be applied as "Road Foils" (which involve the application of graphics onto the pavement) in public areas around the municipality.
Artists will be required to:
- Complete one A0 sized visual artwork, on paper or card by April 2013 (if interested in producing in another medium please contact Rachel).
- Participate in an induction program on 18 January 2013, from 10.00am-3.00pm.
- Participate in any further engagement sessions with Aboriginal and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities if required
- Be involved in any media and publicity if required
- Participate in artwork launch in July 2013
- Participate in evaluation surveys with University of Melbourne
Artists will be given a payment of $500, which will cover the cost of materials and an artist's fee. Payment will be paid in two rounds; $200 at the end of February and $300 at completion of artwork in April.
Greater Shepparton City Council respects the rights of all artists. The artist will retain ownership/copyright of their design but agree to allow Greater Shepparton City Council to reproduce photographically their design in whole or in part for the purpose of advertising and promotion. Permission from the artist will be sought if Council wishes to use the design for any other purposes. The artists will be acknowledged in any promotions or advertising where the design is used.
If you are interested in joining this project, please complete the attached form and return to Council by 21 December 2012.
If you have any further questions, please contact Rachel Rath on 03 5832 9466 or by email .
Shepparton art museum wins 2012 best small museum in victoria award
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.”
Careers expo for Aboriginal students shows off opportunities
25 July 2012
Aboriginal Secondary students from across the region will participate in a Careers and Education Expo at the Shepparton Show Grounds on Friday 27 July.
The event aims to close the gap for young Aboriginal people in the education and employment sectors. Approximately 200 Aboriginal Secondary School Students will attend the expo to learn about the range of careers and education pathways opportunities available to them. Twenty five exhibitors from a range of educational institutions including Universities, VicRoads, Greater Shepparton City Council, Department of Human Services and a large number of potential employers including Coles and Woolworths will show the opportunities available for further education and training.
A traditional welcome to country performed by a local elder, and dance performances, will contribute to a strong cultural theme for the day. Interactive workshops will be held for students in the areas of culture, healthy living and Ashletics.
The event is supported by a large number of organizations including government departments, several local Aboriginal organizations and the Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network. Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Michael Polan will address the students on the day.
Performer Kutcha Edwards will be the MC on the day which is intended to be a fun and informal event. This year a large jumping castle will be available for the young children of parents.
A shuttle bus will pick up Aboriginal community members wanting to attend from the following locations:
- Mooroopna – McLennan St outside Woolworths
- Parkside dve – the Hub
- Queens Gardens (outside ASHE)
- Go Tafe in Fryers Street
- Archer St (Maguire College)
The bus will begin pickups in Mooroopna at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 and visit each location above taking community members to the event.
For further information contact Goulburn Murray Local Learning & Employment Network on (03) 5831 5198.
New Council structure supports growth
13 June 2012
Improved customer service, efficiency, leadership, systems and strategic focus are at the heart of new staff structures announced today for Greater Shepparton City Council to help support a growing community.
Chief Executive Officer Gavin Cator, who joined the organisation in January, announced the new organisational structure today which he hopes will strengthen Council’s strategic focus and connection to community needs and expectations.
The announcement follows a thorough review across the organisation to identify key areas for improvement and service gaps.
There will an extra Director position created to focus on organisational performance, customer service, governance and communication. Overall, the managerial level will shrink slightly from 23 to 20 with some consolidation and redeployment and some new positions created.
An implementation plan is being developed to minimise community impact and support staff during the transition. An issues paper and action plan will be presented to the July Council meeting.
Mr Cator said he was confident the process would help re-focus the organisation after nearly a year since the former Chief Executive Officer announced his resignation.
“I believe that Greater Shepparton has a strong future. By better harnessing the enthusiasm and capability of our staff and by creating stronger links with our community, the organisation will go from good to great,” Mr Cator said.
“I will be working closely with staff, Councillors and the community in the days, weeks, months and years ahead to achieve this and to ensure we continually look at improving the way we deliver services and support growth.”
SAM celebrates record high Jinks attendance
14 May 2012
A major exhibition by one of Australia’s leading sculptors, Sam Jinks has broken attendance records at the Shepparton Arts Museum. Around 3000 people have viewed the exhibition since its launch at the beginning of the month, some travelling from Bendigo, Melbourne, Geelong and the Mornington Peninsula.
The show has also attracted considerable media attention, including feature stories in the Herald Sun and The Age, the front cover of Art Almanac (Australia’s highest circulating art magazine) and a spot on Channel Nine’s Postcards travel show.
The Sam Jinks: Body in Time exhibition opened on May 3 and follows on from the huge popularity of Jinks’ sculpture Woman and Child, which was acquired by Council with community support in 2010. This exhibition brings together 11 works spanning Jinks’ career that have never previously been exhibited together, and will continue through May and June.
Greater Shepparton Mayor Michael Polan said the exhibition would help reinforce Shepparton Art Museum as one of regional Australia’s premier cultural institutions and position it as an arts icon on the tourist trail.
“The redevelopment of SAM has enabled us to host such a major exhibition that has been curated locally and will tour other regional areas”, Cr Polan said. “At the same time, this exhibition shows the importance of our new Art Museum both for tourism and economic development more broadly”.
Curated by SAM Curator, Danny Lacy, the exhibition has been developed by Shepparton Art Museum and will tour to Lismore Regional Gallery in September 2012 and Rockhampton Art Gallery in November 2012.
“It is very exciting that an exhibition of this scale has been initiated here in Shepparton”, Danny Lacy said, “and to tour the exhibition interstate really spreads the brand of SAM and Shepparton further afield”.
The Shepparton Art Museum is a Greater Shepparton City Council facility. To find out more about the exhibitions, workshops and programs SAM has on offer in 2012 please visit the SAM website today, www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au.
New CEO for Greater Shepparton
14 November 2011
Greater Shepparton City Council announced Gavin Cator as the new Chief Executive Officer at this afternoon’s Council meeting (15 November).
Mr Cator is the current Chief Executive Officer at City of Wodonga, a position he has held for three years since leaving Moira Shire Council after 10 years at the helm.
Throughout this time, he has also been heavily involved in regional issues and advocacy, rural leadership development and the Goulburn Valley Football League throughout this time.
Greater Shepparton Mayor Geoff Dobson congratulated Mr Cator on the appointment which he said he was certain would ensure Greater Shepparton continued to build upon its reputation as a leading regional city.
“Selecting a CEO is one of the most important roles in the Local Government Act and we wanted a strong leader that could help position the community, the organisation and the wider region as an innovative, diverse and leading regional city,” he said.
“In short, we wanted the best of the best and we had a high calibre of candidates to draw from. Mr Cator brings an in-depth understanding of our region and a great passion for our people and our future.
“I am confident that Mr Cator has strong skills to help us deliver on our vision with a great understanding of the complexities of balancing social, environmental and economic outcomes with good governance and responsible financial and asset management.”
Cr Dobson also thanked Acting CEO Julie Salomon for her significant contribution as caretaker CEO since July. She will return to her role as General Manager Community Development once the new CEO starts.
Mr Cator said he was looking forward to the challenge and to returning to the Goulburn Valley.
“I believe Greater Shepparton as a region and an organisation is well positioned to capitalise on the challenges of the short and longer term future and I am looking forward to being a part of that,” Mr Cator said.
Mr Cator will finish up with Wodonga Council on 19 December begin with Greater Shepparton City Council on 16 January.
Profile: Gavin Cator
BE, FAIMM, FLGPro, Grad Dip ME, MAICD
Gavin Cator took up the position of Wodonga Council’s chief executive officer on August 25, 2008 following 10 years as CEO of Moira Shire Council.
Gavin has spent his entire working life in local government. Gavin holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Municipal Engineering.
He has also served in sector leadership roles including as president of LGPro in Victoria and as a national director of LGMA. Gavin is also a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program and the Fairley Leadership Program and has a passion for leadership development.
He has been heavily involved in the Ovens and Murray Football League, was President of the Murray Football League for three years and is a keen golfer.
Community scholarships for international conference
28 August 2011
Twenty scholarships for local community groups wishing to attend an international community development conference are on offer from Greater Shepparton City Council.
The scholarships are available for people from community groups and organisations in the Greater Shepparton municipality to attend for $250, a saving of $300.
Applications need to be received by 2 September. The conference is on 8 and 9 September.
For more information about the scholarships please contact Council on (03) 5832 9700. For more information about the conference please visit www.inspirecommunities.com.au
Little Treasures: Exploring ourselves through clay
26 July 2011
Providing a new direction in the delivery of arts education in the Hume region, Shepparton Art Gallery has partnered with Numurkah Primary School to deliver an exciting 20 week ceramic art project at the school during semester two.
The Little Treasures: Exploring Ourselves Through Clay program, will receive $35,000 funding from Arts Victoria's, Education Partnerships: Extended School Residencies program. It is one of seven successful arts based proposals to receive funding and support from Arts Victoria.
Gallery education staff and selected artists will work with teachers to inspire grades 5 and 6 students in art making and exploring ideas through the visual arts. Education Officer, Rhonda Chrisanthou, welcomed the opportunity to build and support creative capacity in arts education.
"Little Treasures provides an ideal platform to develop our education programs in direct collaboration with enthusiastic teachers and students. We hope it will provide new ways of thinking about ceramics as an expressive and vital contemporary art form," Ms Chrisanthou said.
For Numurkah art teacher Suzy Turton, Little Treasures will provide greater involvement and enjoyment of the visual arts for the Year 5-6 classes involved in the project.
"Students will be expressing and sharing their ideas, thoughts and feelings directly through the medium of clay," Ms Turton stated.
With ceramic artist and Gallery Education Officer Angie Russi leading a team of five practicing artists that includes Tina Lee, Ann Ferguson, Eric Brown, Lynda Draper and Vipoo Srivilasa, Little Treasures will provide a range of intensive and extended learning opportunities for students.
As Ms Russi explains, "Little Treasures provides the students with a great opportunity to meet and work with five ceramic artists who all work in very different ways and are influenced by a diverse range of ideas. Rural children often have limited opportunities to engage with contemporary art or meet professional artists. This project will allow the students to have two days of intense interaction with each artist and ask lots of questions!"
The title of the project "Little Treasures" comes from the idea that anything can be regarded as a treasure – it's the way you understand it, that makes a difference. As the project is also about improving learning outcomes, it will aim to have a professionally organised exhibition of student work curated by students.
The Extended School Residencies program is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council and by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund.
Art gallery re-branded
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.
Shepparton Art Gallery to Lead The Way on Led Gallery Lighting
19 June 2011
Over the next year, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting will be installed throughout the whole of Shepparton Art Gallery, as part of a $1.98 million dollar upgrade of the facility.
The Shepparton Art Gallery is believed to be the first gallery in Australia to commit to a total overhaul utilising new LED technology.
Gallery Director Kirsten Paisley said the installation of LED lighting will dramatically improve the carbon emissions of the Gallery, providing an annual reduction in power cost to Council of $14,000.
“It will significantly improve the quality of light in the six new collection galleries and the two temporary galleries, and ultimately provide visitors with a much clearer and more accurate view of the artworks,” Ms Paisley said.
“A further benefit of the new lighting system is that it does not produce any UV light, making it a safe option for the conservation of fragile items such as works on paper.”
The tender for this major redevelopment was awarded to Frank Morretto Building on Tuesday 7 June 2011.
In the meantime the gallery will remain closed until the end of the year however there is now an information booth and small shop in the foyer of the Eastbank Centre open from Monday to Friday 11.00am to 3.00pm.
– Released 20 June
Education and Community Liaison Assistant Officer (9 month Indigenous identified position)
15 June 2011
An outstanding opportunity presents itself for an Indigenous Identified position at this leading Regional Art Gallery on the cusp of exciting change (funded through Arts Victoria Indigenous Arts Residencies).
The Assistant Education and Community Liaison Officer is responsible to the Gallery Director and Education and Public Programs Officers to assist in the development and delivery of all aspects of educational and public programs offered at the Art Gallery. The Assistant Education and Community Liaison Officer will work in a cultural liaison role during the Indigenous Ceramic Art Award fulfill the duties of a steward to the visiting Indigenous artists during the exhibition and public program delivery phase of the award.
The role will also offer an opportunity to develop a community engagement art project or program with the assistance of gallery staff.
The resident's role will act as a conduit between the local Aboriginal community and the gallery; with the aim of increasing Aboriginal participation in the public programs and projects at the gallery.
Please note: this is an Indigenous identified position.
Facilities upgraded at WestSide
13 June 2011
The toilet facilities and foyer at WestSide Performing Arts Centre have recently been upgraded.
Greater Shepparton City Council and Mooroopna Secondary College worked in partnership to refurbish and repaint the facilities.
Council's Manager Performing Arts and Conventions Steve Donelly said it was important to ensure facilities were of a high standard for the school students and WestSide patrons.
"Council worked with the school to ensure the works were carried out with a minimum level of disruption to users," Mr Donelly said.
"Works included a new ceiling and dividing wall as well as a repaint, lining, new sinks and mirrors in the female toilets, a repaint and new seats, new dividing wall and doorway, new sinks and mirrors and tiling in the male toilets.
"We also installed a new ceiling and lighting in the greenroom and repainted the all abilities toilet."
Some of the other works included:
- Dressing Rooms/Laundry – suspended ceiling with insulation, LED lighting.
- Foyers – repainted.
- "Green" lighting.
Acting Principal at Mooroopna Secondary College, Lynn Emmerson, was thrilled that the works were completed within budget and according to plan.
"It is such a welcome relief to work with Council to plan and finish a project such as this with a minimum of fuss and as a team with a common objective," said Ms Emmerson.
"The WestSide Performing Arts Centre complex is shared by theatre patrons, school users and students using the Coulson Centre so it is great to be able to bring the facilities to a higher standard for all concerned."
For information about forthcoming shows at WestSide Performing Arts Centre, visit www.riverlinksvenues.com.au
– Released 14 June 2011
Celebrate women’s role in creating strong communities
27 April 2011
The fifth annual Unity Cup will be contested this Saturday, April 30, between Murray League’s Rumbalara and Congupna football and netball clubs.
The Unity Cup round was established by the two clubs to acknowledge and celebrate the role women play in creating and managing strong social networks in their communities.
Greater Shepparton City Council Cr Jenny Houlihan, who will speak at the President's lunch and present the Cup to the winning football and netball teams, said the clubs should be congratulated on the initiative.
"Council is proud to support this event, which promotes social inclusion in our community," Cr Houlihan said.
"Sporting clubs are incredibly important meeting places in our regional and rural communities.
"They frequently act as the social ‘glue' that helps our communities stick together.
"We recognise, too, that it's often the mothers, grandmothers, aunties and sisters who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the kids get to training and games, help out in the canteen, with uniforms, at the gate and with the many other activities that keep our sporting clubs ticking a long.
"This initiative by Rumbalara and Congupna is a wonderful celebration of our region's cultural diversity and I congratulate both clubs on their ongoing support for what is now becoming an annual highlight on social and sporting calendars."
Cr Houlihan said the Unity Cup round was exactly the type of activity Council, through the implementation of its Locals Embracing and Accepting Diversity (LEAD) program, hoped to see more of in the community.
"The LEAD program works with local businesses, employers, schools and Council to reduce race-based discrimination and celebrate diversity through a range of activities, including training, leadership programs and policy reviews," Cr Houlihan said.
The Unity Cup agenda is:
9am – Junior football and netball games commence
10am-11am – Women's morning tea and welcome to new arrivals in the Queen's Garden
12.30pm-1.30pm – President's lunch.
1.30pm – A-Grade netball game commences
2.10pm – Senior football game commences
5pm – Unity Cup presentations
8pm – Evening celebrations commence
The morning tea at Queen's Gardens is a free event and open to the public. All other events will be held at Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Mercury Dve, Shepparton. Normal match fees apply.
For more information about the day's activities, contact Rumbalara Football Netball Club on 5822 4364.
Search on for local stars
11 April 2011
A new campaign to combat racism has the potential to turn local people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds into stars.
A casting call for people living in Greater Shepparton to star in the campaign will be held next Saturday (16 April) from 10am to 1pm at the Eastbank Centre in Shepparton.
Those shortlisted from the casting call will become the face of the Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity (LEAD) campaign in local media advertisements and billboards.
People in the 5 to 17 and 30 to 50 age range from an Aboriginal, African, Middle Eastern, Asian or Muslim background are encouraged to take part by turning up to the casting call.
Those shortlisted from the casting call to be used in the campaign will receive a $200 voucher.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Geoff Dobson encouraged local people to take part in the casting call and consider being the face of the LEAD program locally.
"The LEAD program is a really exciting initiative and we want to use real, local people as the talent for the campaign to show how proud we are of our diverse community.
"The whole idea behind the campaign is to showcase the amazing array of skills and talents that people from different backgrounds bring to our municipality in ways that celebrate diversity and reduce race based discrimination," he said.
The LEAD program works with local businesses, employers, schools and Council to reduce race-based discrimination and celebrate diversity through a range of activities, including training, leadership programs and policy reviews.
Greater Shepparton City Council is one of two Victorian Councils selected to take part in the LEAD pilot in partnership with VicHealth, Whittlesea City Council, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Municipal Association of Victoria, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and beyondblue.
For more information please contact LEAD Coordinator, Amanda Tingay on (03) 5832 9700.
Media: Please direct media enquiries to Marketing and Communications on (03) 5832 9537.
Applications open for Community Matching Grants Scheme
29 March 2011
Applications are now open for the first round of funding through Greater Shepparton City Council’s Community Matching Grants Scheme.
Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Polan said $50,000 had been made available through the Community Plan Implementation Program to fund community-building projects.
The program is part of Council's Community Development Framework, which was adopted by Council late last year to support community-driven change and help build resilient communities.
Cr Polan said the scheme was primarily targeted to grass-roots neighbourhood groups.
"Generally grants up to $2500 will be made available to support one-off projects that will benefit the local community," Cr Polan said.
"This is a terrific new initiative that will appeal to groups of like-minded individuals who are passionate about a particular project and believe it will benefit their local area or neighbourhood."
The scheme is also open to existing groups and clubs as well as to groups that form specifically to drive a particular neighbourhood project.
Cr Polan said examples of projects that could be considered for the grants included revegetating a common area, refurbishing a community hall, installing signage, upgrading playground equipment, community gardens or undertaking a community arts project.
"Groups are not required to be incorporated to access this grant pool," Cr Polan said.
"They can either partner with another incorporated group or contact Council for further information regarding the application process."
Cr Polan said neighbourhood groups applying for funding through the scheme needed to show that they could match Council's funding either through cash or in-kind support.
"However, we recognise that some groups will have limited access to resources so we're keen to be as flexible as possible in matching funding through recognising the benefit of volunteer support to complete projects," Cr Polan said.
"The important point is that the group can demonstrate there is strong local support and buy-in for the project."
Applications for funding close 5pm, Monday May 1.
Information sessions about the scheme will be held at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre, 25 Alexandra St, Mooroopna on Monday April 4, from 1pm to 2pm and Thursday April 7 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
To RSVP or for more information about the scheme, contact grants Officer Andrew Holloway on 5832 9823 or grants@shepparton.vic.gov.au
An application form and more details about the scheme are also available at www.greatershepparton.com.au
Three new exhibitions during gallery down time
22 February 2011
The Shepparton Art Gallery will re-open to the public from Monday 7 March until Sunday 1 May while unanticipated delays to a $1.5 million refurbishment are worked through.
The gallery closed at the start of February for a six-month refurbishment but some unanticipated issues with the tender process mean there will be a delay while the work is re-tendered.
In the meantime, the gallery will present work by Richard Lewer, Matthew Griffin and Anna Kristensen.
Melbourne-based artist Richard Lewer will present a series of work including a seven-metre long painting of his last will and testament which has been fast-tracked and will be on display from 7 March.
The gallery’s latest acquisition from Matthew Griffin, Drum Throne and Geodesic Caveman Clubs, will also be unveiled from 7 March.
Anna Kristensen’s 360 degree panoramic oil painting, Indian Chamber, will add to the exhibition space from 28 March as well as a number of pre-planned foyer exhibitions and events which were being held during the refurbishment.
Greater Shepparton City Council Chief Executive Officer Phil Pearce said the delay was unfortunate, but necessary to protect the best interests of the gallery, the tenderers and the broader community.
“We need to re-tender to ensure everyone’s interests and will do so in a way that will minimise delays to the project as much as possible and maximise use of the gallery in the meantime,” Mr Pearce said.
“We will re-open the tender process and we anticipate any delay will be no more than 10 weeks.
“In the meantime, the gallery has prepared some exciting new exhibitions to maximise the use of the gallery until work commences.”
The gallery will be open from 10.00am to 4.00pm daily from 7 March to 1 May. The gallery program is available at www.sheppartonartgallery.com.au.
Gallery secures Sam Jinks sculpture for Shepparton
16 November 2010
The popular Sam Jinks Woman and child sculpture has a new home in the Shepparton Art Gallery Collection after Greater Shepparton City Council agreed to contribute the remaining funds for the purchase.
More than 17,000 people viewed the sculpture as part of a recent exhibition at the gallery. Council purchased the sculpture for $75,000 with community donations, a gift from Karen Woodbury Gallery and funds from Council and the Shepparton Art Gallery's acquisition investment fund.
Shepparton Art Gallery Advisory Committee Chairperson, Councillor Michael Polan said the purchase was a real coup for Council and for the arts in the region.
"From the first day of the exhibition we knew we were on to something big and it has been so good to see so many people from Greater Shepparton and beyond visit the gallery to see the sculpture and to see the rest of the gallery at the same time," Cr Polan said.
"An opportunity like this doesn't come along every day and I thank the community, the Gallery Advisory Committee and the Gallery staff for working so hard to secure this piece."
"This has shown what an impact art can have on our lives and there is no doubt the sculpture will be a drawcard for locals and visitors alike for a long time to come."
The work is not currently on display as the gallery is preparing for the flagship 2010 Sidney Myer Fund Australian Ceramic Award exhibition which will open on 27 November through to 6 February next year.
The Shepparton Art Gallery will then close until August for a major $1.5 million refurbishment and rebranding. Discussions are currently underway about ways to feature the sculpture as part of the new look facility and there has already been some interest in touring the piece from other regional galleries.
The Shepparton Art Gallery is a Greater Shepparton City Council facility.
The sculpture is currently not on display. Woman and child will feature in an exhibition of Sam's work at Gippsland Art Gallery from 12 February to 20 March 2011.
Shepparton Art Gallery to close for Redevelopment in 2011
4 November 2010
The Shepparton Art Gallery will be closed from February to September 2011 to undertake a significant upgrade.
Shepparton Art Gallery has been succesful is securing funds from the State Government via the Regional Development Infrastructure Fund to undertake a significant upgrade of the facility.
The upgrade will include new gallery lighting, climate control, refurbishment of exhibitions spaces, a new art studio with kiln, a new painting store and significantly a new entrance to the gallery and building signage.
This work will force the gallery to close during the period. Throughout this time the Gallery will run the exhibition foyer program, the drawing wall commissions and the collection will remain on display throughout the upstairs foyer areas. A paired back public program of activities will also be delivered.
The staff at the gallery will be very busy with a wide range of important projects; including a working on a major new publication on the collection, the digitisation of the collection, education resources, collection building initiatives and curating the new collection hang for reopening.
The redevelopment provides a wonderful opportunity to consider the future branding of the gallery. A community consultation process will be undertaken about the rebranding of the gallery from December through to March, and we encourage our supporters, visitors and friends to join in the discussion.
We look forward to sharing this exciting period of change with you and hope you can follow our journey over the coming monthes.
Shepparton Art Gallery’s Second Drawing Wall
29 July 2010
Shepparton Art Gallery’s new commission of The Drawing Wall, by Anna Kristensen is currently being installed.
Located in the main foyer of the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, the new artwork will finish being installed by artist Anna Kristensen today and on show for the next three months.
Anna's work is a wall painting of an oriental carpet climbing up the wall.
Shepparton Art Gallery, Curator, Danny Lacy said The Drawing Wall project features a series of wall drawings and artworks that aim to liven up the foyer space directly outside the Art Gallery.
"By constantly changing the foyer space to keep it fresh, we hope to attract more people into the Art Gallery to see other exhibitions on show."
For more information contact Council's Shepparton Art Gallery, Curator, Danny Lacy on (03) 5832 9519 or danny.lacy@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
Art#1 Exhibition open
15 April 2010
A new exhibition, aimed at bringing the best works from the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) will be officially opened at the Shepparton Art Gallery today, Friday 16 April.
Works by Nick Devlin and Justine Khamara and two new site-specific installations by Nathan Gray, Pat Foster and Jen Berean will be on display until 30 May.
Shepparton Art Gallery Director Kirsten Paisley said the exhibition gives regional audiences the chance to view new artworks from around Australia.
"This is an exciting new exhibition, which showcases work from artists who have been part of the ACCA's new emerging artists exhibitions," Ms Paisley said.
"The works include multi-media, installation, photography, sculpture and collage, revealing an array of art forms that many of today's emerging artists are working in.
"The exhibition will include a series of curator and artist talks, a catalogue with newly commissioned texts from some of Victoria's most promising young writers and specially prepared resources for school and tertiary groups."
The Art1 exhibition will run from 17 April until 30 May 2010 at the Shepparton Art Gallery as well as Wangaratta exhibitions Gallery and Benalla Art Gallery.
For more information contact the Shepparton Art Gallery (03) 5832 9861.
MEDIA LAUNCH:
The Hon. Peter Batchelor MP, Minister for the Arts will launch ART1 to the media.
Date: Friday 16 April 2010
Time: 10.45am
Venue: Shepparton Art Gallery
Also present will be Juliana Engberg, ACCA's artistic Director, exhibition curator Hannah Matthews and artists including Pat Foster & Jen Berean, whose installation Public Relations 2010 resembles a ubiquitous 1970s public toilet block. A new work by Melbourne artist Nathan Gray designed specially for Shepparton Art Gallery, and created from detritus and found objects and snakes around the gallery space, is another highlight.
ACCA ART 1 – PUBLIC OPENING FUNCTION
Will be officially opened by The Hon. Peter Bachelor MP, Minister for the Arts on Friday 16 April at 6.00pm. Free event. All welcome.
ACCA's ART1 Exhibition Tours and Resources
Presentation of curriculum resources for primary and secondary level teachers
Date: Tuesday 20 April, 11.45am – 2.30pm.
Cost: $25 per person to cover morning tea and lunch.
Bookings: Shepparton Art Gallery – 5832 9861
The program includes tailored talks and resources for school and tertiary groups. Education materials provided will include an education kit and sound files, reflecting the Victorian Essential Learning Standards, VCE Art, Studio Arts and Media studies. This is an opportunity for teachers to plan their class visits.
Art1 Artists' Talks
Nick Devlin, Justine Khamara, Nathan Gray, Pat Foster & Jen Berean
Date: Saturday 1 May, 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Cost: Free
Bookings: Shepparton Art Gallery, 5832 9861.
– Released 16 April 2010
Australian Centre for Contemporary Art tour comes to Shepparton
22 March 2010
A series of exhibitions curated by Melbourne’s internationally renowned Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) will be exhibited concurrently at three regional Victorian galleries from April.
ART1 is a new initiative aimed to bring the latest new works from Melbourne's leading contemporary art space to regional Victoria.
Works from ACCA's pool of artists and their innovative commissions programs will be displayed concurrently at the Shepparton Art Gallery, Wangaratta exhibitions Gallery and Benalla Art Gallery from April 17.
But this is not your average ‘art-in-a-box' tour – the program has been specially devised by ACCA curator Hannah Mathews to suit the collections, audience, architecture and ambitions of each of the galleries.
ACCA is Australia's major centre for contemporary art, which showcases the latest developments in the national and international contemporary art scenes. It also acts as an essential facilitator for emerging Australian contemporary artists, and over the past eight years has commissioned over 60 new works.
ART1 aims to bring the best of these works to galleries around Victoria, offering regional audiences the opportunity to engage with the very latest developments in new art in Australia. The exhibitions will be accompanied by a series of tailored curator and artists talks, a catalogue with newly commissioned texts from some of Victoria's most promising young writers and specially prepared resources for school and tertiary groups.
Wangaratta exhibitions Gallery will show a selection of video works from some of Australia's most exciting young video artists including Shaun Gladwell, Anastasia Klose, Laresa Kosloff, David Rosetzky, Darren Sylvester and Daniel von Sturmer.
Shepparton Art Gallery will exhibit a program of works from Nick Devlin and Justine Khamara, and two new site-specific installations specially commissioned for the gallery by Nathan Gray and Pat Foster & Jen Berean.
Benalla Art Gallery will show young Melbourne artist Brendan Lee's provocative Proving Ground – a major audio-visual installation which reflects on Australian notions of mateship, camaraderie and belief systems. The installation is made up of discarded car tyres.
ART1
April 17 – May 30 2010
Shepparton Art Gallery, Wangaratta exhibitions Gallery, Benalla Art Gallery
Cultural Development in Action Presentation Series 2
3 March 2010
The Gallery has initiated and facilitated a number of Cultural Development projects under the umbrella of education. This presentation is an opportunity to hear about the process and outcomes of our work with various groups within the Shepparton community. In addition, the gallery’s new Registrar, artist Tina Lee will speak about, The Six Daughters of the West Wind -The Merrigong Environmental Public Art Project which she completed for the Illawarra Escarpment, Wollongong NSW. This project involved a collaboration between an indigenous and non-indigenous team of artists.
Time: 5.30pm to 7.00pm prior to SheppARTon Festival launch
Suitable for: artists, local government employees, arts workers and educators, general public
Presenters: Kirsten Paisley (Gallery Director), Angie Russi (Art Gallery Educator) Tina Lee (Gallery Registrar)
Location: Shepparton Art Gallery
Cost: Free of charge
VCE New Curriculum Outline & Video Art for Schools
15 February 2010
Art Education Victoria in collaboration with Shepparton Art Gallery
Date: Tuesday 16 February 2010 9.30 – 3.00pm Cost: $195 per teacher AEV members or 2 or more teachers $170 each. Bookings: Art Education Victoria Phone: 9349 5188 Presenters: Stephanie Richter, Education & Public Programs Coordinator, Monash Gallery of Art; Marian Strong, Executive Officer, Art Education Victoria;Rhonda Chrisanthou, Education Officer (curriculum), Shepparton Art Gallery.
Double Feature Screening Tracey Moffatt’s Bedevil and Richard J. Frankland’s Stone Bros.
15 February 2010
Come along and enjoy a special double feature film screening of Richard J. Frankland’s recent comedy Stone Bros never before screen in Shepparton, and acclaimed artist Tracey Moffatt’s extraordinary ghost stories in Bedevil. Tickets include a light supper at interval and a night time viewing of Tracey Moffatt Narratives. Tuesday 16th February, 6.00pm to 9.30pm. Eastbank Centre Bookings through Riverlinks; ph: 5832 9511,$20 incl. light supper at interval.