ABOUT
Housed in an iconic modernist building and set among beautiful botanical gardens, the Benalla Art Gallery offers an unforgettable experience of art. Since its beginnings, the Benalla Art Gallery has become one of Australia’s premier regional art galleries.
The Gallery program is delivered across four main pillars of activity: Exhibitions, Engagement, Education, and Collection. The Gallery attracts in excess of 75,000 exhibition visitors each year, who engage with workshops, artist talks, exhibition openings and other Gallery events every year. The Gallery presents an important art education program for students across North East Victoria. The Benalla Art Gallery Collection spans three centuries of Australian art, and is recognised as having artistic, historic, and community significance.
HISTORY
The concept for the Benalla Art Gallery dates from 1965 and was driven by a small group of local citizens. The Gallery was initially based in the RSL Hall in Nunn Street in 1968, and interest in a purpose-built art gallery was generated.
In 1972, Laurence H. Ledger made an offer of his collection to the City of Benalla, and a further $75,000 towards the cost of a new gallery building. This gallery proposal was put to a compulsory community ballot in 1973, and won resounding support. The Gallery and its fledgling Collection quickly established a firm footing as a key focal point for community civic pride.
Noted architects Philip Sargeant and Colin Munro were appointed to design the purpose-built Benalla Art Gallery, perched between the banks of Lake Benalla and the Benalla Botanical Gardens. The new Gallery opened in its picturesque setting in 1975, and has since provided the foundation of Benalla’s artistic and creative culture.
STAGE 1
REDEVELOPMENT
The Benalla Art Gallery is undergoing a significant redevelopment to ensure it continues to shine as aa leading cultural and artistic destination for decades to come.
These updates will enhance the Gallery’s capacity to host nationally significant exhibitions, improve amenities, and preserve its iconic heritage, all while laying the groundwork for exciting future developments.
The redevelopment will be delivered in two carefully planned packages, funded by the State Government Regional Cultural Infrastructure Program (Stage 1A) and the Federal Government Growing Regions Program (Stage 1B). Together, these works will modernise and enhance the Gallery while maintaining its connection to the community and natural surroundings.
This project builds on engagement with key stakeholders undertaken during the planning phase. These conversations have informed the design — thoughtfully brought together by Williams Boag architects — addressing the needs of the community while honouring the heritage of the iconic architecture of Munro and Sargeant.
Project Overview
Stage 1A
Funded by the Regional Cultural Infrastructure Program
- New Art Storage Facilities: Upgraded to national standards for care and preservation of artworks.
- Relocation and Enhancement of Cafe: A new purpose-built cafe/restaurant is to be constructed as an extension to the existing building.
- Enhanced Gallery Lobby and Display Area: Welcoming visitors with a modern, inviting environment.
- Staff and Operations Upgrades: Improving behind-the-scenes functionality.
Stage 1B
Funded by the Growing Regions Program
- Climate Control Upgrades: Meeting stringent gallery environmental standards.
- Gallery Space Renovations: Revitalised exhibition areas for flexible and engaging exhibitions.
- Environmentally Sustainable Design: Improving the efficiency of building operation with mechanical systems and highly rated insulating and heat resistant materials.
For further information, renders, floor plans, and regular updates on this project, click here.
TEAM
Staff
Eric Nash | Director
Brenda Wellman | Curator
Katherine Hauptmann | Administration and Customer Relations Officer
Trish McGann | Art Gallery Assistant
Tegan Nash | Education & Public Programs Curator
Fleur Rendell | Education & Public Programs Curator
Rachael O’Brien | Art Gallery Assistant
Sonia Gherdevich | Art Gallery Assistant
Benalla Art Gallery Committee
Barbara Alexander AO | Chair
Councillor Jillian Merkel | Council Representative
Councillor Punarji Gunaratne | Council Representative
Tim Abdallah | General Member
Andrew Ashton | Friends of Benalla Art Gallery Representative
Winsome McCaughey AO | Benalla Art Gallery Foundation Representative
Elizabeth Costello | Tourism North East Victoria Representative
Anna Parle | General Member
Fiona Stephens | General Member
Alice Tallis | General Member
STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS AND REPORTS
REGION
Benalla is a picturesque town located close to the diverse food and wine regions of the King Valley, Rutherglen, and Milawa. The gateway to Victoria’s High Country, Benalla is within an hour of mountains, rivers and lakes that are perfect for adventure or relaxation.
Benalla invites you to ‘See the Art in Everything’, and is the home of the Benalla Street Art Festival, some of the most striking murals and silo artworks in Victoria, high-speed action at the Winton Motor Raceway, and the award-winning Benalla Costume & Kelly Museum. Benalla’s unique blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure make it a must-visit destination.
Go to www.enjoybenalla.com.au for everything you need to know to enjoy our region.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Benalla Art Gallery is a member of the Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV), the peak body representing seventy art galleries and art museums across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
SUPPORT
Benalla Art Gallery is owned and operated by Benalla Rural City Council. Benalla Art Gallery is assisted by Creative Victoria through the Regional Partnerships Program, and the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
