UPGRADES: The grant funds will go towards improving the gallery’s E3 workshop and exhibition space, allowing for more opportunities for local artists.

Arts & Culture

Major improvements to Gallery workshop happening thanks to Clubgrants 

Published: 15 Nov 2024 12:04pm

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery has been successful in securing funding support of $51,600 through the NSW Government Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grant: Arts & Culture to undertake significant improvements and upgrades to both the E3 art workshop and E3 art space.

The funds will allow the gallery to make significant improvements to the safety and functionality of these multiuse spaces. It will also unlock opportunities for exciting new printmaking workshops and residency opportunities for local artists and art lovers.

Council’s co contribution of $60K brings the total of this capital works project to $111,600.

Both E3 spaces will receive expanded storage and the art workshop will get improved environmental and safety equipment.

Two staff sit inside an art workshop. — **PROUD GALLERY:** Art Gallery Director Lee-Anne Hall and Gallery Officer Astrid Reed said the funding is a great next step for the gallery spaces.

Gallery Director Lee-Anne Hall said the gallery is grateful for this funding from Liquor and Gaming NSW, along with the support received from Council and the Friends of the Gallery, toward these enhancements in the E3 art workshop and E3 art space.

“This funding opens new possibilities for programming,” Dr Hall said.

“Safer and more functional art spaces mean we can offer exciting workshops for our community, especially young people. We hope to also offer specialist classes and residency opportunities to artists in the City and wider region.

“Printmaking is one of the artistic strengths in this area, with many outstanding printmakers living and producing work here and teaching new generations at local educational facilities.

An inside shot of the workshop space where multiple young people are working with art supplies.

“The gallery is home to the Margaret Carnegie Print Collection, and we hope the new workshop spaces will reflect the excellence of the collection.”

In a major contribution to the workshop refurbishment project, the Friends of the Gallery have also raised funds to enable the purchase of a new state-of-the-art printing press to allow for advanced print workshops.

“The gallery is very grateful for the ongoing support we receive from the Friends of the Gallery,” said Dr Hall.

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary in 2025, and the capital upgrade to both the E3 art workshop and E3 art spacewill serve the Wagga Wagga and surrounding communities well into the future.