11 September 2019

'Explosion of happiness' burst from roof of Bega Valley Regional Gallery

| Ian Campbell
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Microcosm will adorn the sky above the Bega Valley Regional Gallery from May 17. Photo: Supplied.

Microcosm will adorn the sky above the Bega Valley Regional Gallery from May 17. Photo: Supplied.

A big ‘explosion of happiness’ is about to burst skyward coinciding with Bega Valley Regional Gallery (BVRG) launching a philanthropy campaign that looks to build momentum for the gallery’s long talked about redevelopment.

On Friday, May 17 BVRG Director, Iain Dawson, invites the community to a first of its kind event for Bega.

“We invite everyone to join us at this inflatable event, called Microcosm, and I’m hoping this eye-catching artwork will encourage donations skyward too,” Mr Dawson says.

The happy blow-up art installation, Microcosm, will hang above the BVRG and be on display 24/7 for three weeks before popping up at Tathra Wharf for 24 hours on Saturday, June 8.

Microcosm is being brought to town by Goldberg Aberline Studio (GAS), who create large scale works of public art using a variety of mediums.

Maurice Goldberg, former architect and corporate leader, and Matthew Aberline, feature film and live performance designer, came together to form GAS to produce immersive art experiences for art lovers around the world.

Work by GAS is based on a constant quest to develop, research and create new ideas, Bega opens another chapter.

Mr Dawson says, importantly, their work maintains “the touch of the artist’s hand’ and aims to stimulate feelings of unexpected delight and joy in viewers.”

It’s hoped the excitement around such a dynamic and accessible artwork will loosen local wallets.

“We are asking for donations towards updating internal infrastructure like audio visual equipment, digital displays, collection management software and workshop materials which we need to support our growing exhibition and education program,” Mr Dawson says.

“Technology is increasingly a feature of artwork and creative endeavour and we need to stay up to date to be a viable venue on the exhibition circuit.

“We are aiming to raise around $100,000 from our philanthropy campaign and Council continues to apply for grant funding for the bigger building redevelopment.

“Philanthropy plays an important role in the arts around the world and I am hoping this is the start of something similar in the Bega Valley.”

BVRG Director, Iain Dawson. Photo: Ian Campbell.

BVRG Director, Iain Dawson. Photo: Ian Campbell.

Financial donations to BVRG are tax deductible as are donations of artworks to the gallery as part of the Cultural Gifts Program.

Bega Valley Shire Council plans to redevelop the current BVRG site with additional exhibition space, storage facilities, and updated environmental controls.

“The proposed project will future proof the BVRG for decades to come and allow the community and our visitors to access the very best Australian and international visual culture and celebrate our unique identity,” Mr Dawson says.

The plans have been costed at $3.4 million.

Opening night for Microcosm is Friday, May 17 at 6.00pm. Microcosm will be on display day and night for three weeks before moving to Tathra Wharf for 24 hours on Saturday, June 8.

The happy blow-up art installation, Microcosm, will hang above the BVRG. Photo: Ian Campbell.

The happy blow-up art installation, Microcosm, will hang above the BVRG. Photo: Ian Campbell.

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Helen Marshall5:16 pm 09 May 19

Wonderful little gallery – so pleased to hear it is getting additional funding.

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