Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is set for major upgrades to enhance creative opportunities, safety, and functionality.
The gallery has secured $110,600 in funding to support significant improvements to the E3 art workshop and the E3 art space.
The NSW Government has contributed $51,600 through the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grant for Arts & Culture, while Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) has provided $60,000.
Gallery director Dr Lee-Anne Hall expressed her gratitude for the funding from Liquor and Gaming NSW, as well as the support from WWCC and the Friends of the Gallery, which will enable these enhancements.
“This funding opens new possibilities for programming,” Dr Hall said.
“With safer, more functional art spaces, we can offer exciting workshops for our community, particularly for young people. We hope to also provide specialist classes and residency opportunities for artists from Wagga Wagga and the surrounding region.
“Printmaking is a recognised artistic strength in this area, with many outstanding printmakers living and producing work here, as well as teaching new generations at local educational institutions.”
Dr Hall highlighted that the gallery, home to the Margaret Carnegie Print Collection, hoped the upgraded workshop would reflect the collection’s excellence.
In a major contribution to the workshop refurbishment, the Friends of the Gallery have raised funds for a state-of-the-art printing press, enabling advanced print workshops.
“The gallery is deeply grateful for the ongoing support from the Friends of the Gallery,” Dr Hall added.
The funds will be directed towards significant safety and functionality improvements in the E3 art workshop and E3 art space, unlocking new opportunities for printmaking workshops and artist residencies.
Both E3 spaces will benefit from expanded storage, while the workshop will receive upgraded environmental and safety equipment.
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025, and the capital upgrades to the E3 art workshop and E3 art space will serve the Wagga Wagga and surrounding communities well into the future.