The planned redevelopment of the Bega Valley Regional Gallery (BVRG) has reached another significant milestone with the architectural concept plans having now been prepared by Sibling Architecture, that will form a key component of the Development Application for the project that is set to be lodged soon.
The development of the plans comes after the BVRG was given the go ahead to progress their application for funding under the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund into a special round, which will be submitted in September.
BVRG Director, Iain Dawson, praised Sibling’s concept, calling it a “game changer” for the visual arts in south eastern 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,” said Mr Dawson.
“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. 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. I am confident we have a strong application and look forward to submitting our business case to the Regional Cultural Fund.”
In 2017, the 22,000 visitors to the BVRG (40% of these were visitors to the Shire) added $1.3 million to the local economy. “The proposed new gallery has the capacity to draw even more visitors and reach a broader local and tourist audience also,” added Mr Dawson.
The community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the concept through the public exhibition phase of the Development Application process – details on this will be advertised at the appropriate time. For more information, visit: www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au for details.
Image: Artist Impression of the Bega Valley Regional Gallery (supplied)