Architectural concept plans for the new Bega Valley Regional Gallery (BVRG) have been released providing a glimpse into the future, plans that will transform the current site in Bega into a purpose-built world-class space.
The plan prepared by Melbourne’s Sibling Architecture forms a key component in the project’s Development Application that will be lodged soon, a significant milestone in the vision being driven by Gallery Director, Iain Dawson, who describes the plan as a “game changer” for visual arts in South East NSW.
“Encompassing expanded exhibition and storage space, contemporary environmental control and lighting and a hireable workshop space; the concept design also features a more welcoming and accessible façade that allows the community to view artworks 24/7,” Mr Dawson says.
The development of the plans comes after the BVRG was given the go-ahead to progress its application for funding under the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund, which will be submitted in September.
“As the only publicly funded gallery south of Nowra and east of Albury, the BVRG has delivered access to contemporary Australian visual culture within a limited facility for 30 years,” Mr Dawson says.
“Sibling has skilfully interpreted what is needed to bring the gallery in line with other regional galleries in NSW, so we are able to present even broader artistic and educational programs to residents of the south-east.
“The excellent response from the community to last year’s consultation demonstrated just how cherished the BVRG is and the dedicated work of our stakeholders committee has enabled us to continue our momentum,” he says.
Mr Dawson says he is confident the shire has a strong application for the Berejiklian Government to consider and that he looks forward to submitting the projects business case to the Regional Cultural Fund.
“In 2017, the 22,000 visitors to the BVRG, 40% of whom were visitors to the Shire, added $1.3million to the local economy,” he says.
“The proposed new gallery has the capacity to draw even more visitors and reach a broader local and tourist audience also,” Mr Dawson says.
The community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the concept through the public exhibition phase of the Development Application process, details of which will be advertised at the appropriate time.