Open day planned for Hervey Bay Regional Gallery relaunch
The relaunch of the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery will be celebrated on Saturday 16 April with an open day featuring free face painting, artist talks, the launch of a new art trail and two exhibitions.
Fraser Coast Regional Councillor David Lewis said the gallery had been closed for almost two years for repairs and refurbishment so it was exciting to see it opening back up to the public again.
“The Fraser Coast has a colourful and vibrant cultural life, and a revitalised Hervey Bay Regional Gallery is a key part of that,” he said.
“The official reopening on Saturday 16 April will give Fraser Coast residents and visitors the opportunity to see what’s new as part of a celebration offering something for everyone.
“A public art trail designed by Hervey Bay artist Emma Thorp that will lead visitors around the outdoor sculptures will be launched, while there will also be an opportunity to experience the replenished Butchulla Seasonal Garden with bush tucker on offer.
“Other activities on the day include exhibition tours, artist talks, food stalls, giveaways, the opening of a new gallery shop and the opportunity to experience two new exhibitions.”
Cr Lewis said the refurbishment of the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery had provided more space for exhibitions, a new and improved air conditioning and climate control system, and a better storage area.
“The Hervey Bay Regional Gallery will be able to host more national and significant art exhibitions as a result of this refurbishment,” he said.
“We want the gallery to be a place of consequence in our community that is known for its standard of excellence across its exhibitions, programs and supporting operations.”
The Hervey Bay Regional Gallery reopening will be held from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 16 April at 166 Old Maryborough Road. More information is available at www.herveybayregionalgallery.com
The Hervey Bay Regional Gallery has been in operation since May 1997. It was moved to its current site in December 2012 and was closed in late February 2020 for refurbishment and repairs.
The Queensland Government provided $400,000 from the COVID Works for Queensland program towards the Fraser Coast Regional Council’s $2.7 million gallery refurbishment project.
The Hervey Bay Regional Gallery building works have included:
- A new air conditioning and climate control system;
- Airlocks to ensure the efficiency of the climate control system;
- A storage area built to national collection standards;
- Upgraded loading and delivery services and exhibition preparation areas;
- Two gallery spaces to replace the former Discovery Sphere and theatrette; and
- Installation of services to cater for future growth such as a coffee shop and larger retail area.