Image:
Clement Meadmore
Delauney’s dilemma    1992
bronze
21.6 x 22.4 x 13.3 cm
Gift of Mr. L. Gordon Darling, 2001.
2001.08
Benalla Art Gallery Collection
© Estate of Clement Meadmore

FIONA & FRANK STEPHENS NAMED FUND

Having grown up on rural properties, Frank in Benalla and Fiona in Carisbrook, Victoria, they deeply value the resilience of regional communities and recognise the transformative power of philanthropy in driving significant educational and social progress. Since making Benalla their home and professional base in 1990, Frank and Fiona have championed contemporary art, design, and architecture. Their immediate connection to art galleries and artists working in and around the region shaped their conviction that regional galleries are essential for the enrichment of local life.

Working in the travel industry for over 30 years has allowed them the opportunity to experience first-hand the benefits of cultural tourism, vital for shaping community identity, strengthening social well-being and driving economic growth.  They view the Benalla Art Gallery as a cultural “gem” (of the North East), with significant domestic and international appeal to be enjoyed by future generations of cultural travellers.

By establishing the Fiona and Frank Stephens Named Fund, they aim to support the future development and long-term vitality of the Benalla Art Gallery, its collection and the broader Benalla community.

Frank studied a Bachelor of Business at Victoria University, has served on numerous travel and tourism boards. Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) from the University of Melbourne, she been a member of the Benalla Art Gallery Advisory Committee since 2013, was a founding member of the Friends of the Benalla Art Gallery and serves on the Benalla Art Gallery Foundation Donor Engagement working group. Together, Fiona and Frank are the Directors of Benalla Travel.