Benalla Ensign

Talk to explore social impact on art sector

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Benalla Art Gallery continues its popular talk series, “The Power of Cultural Infrastruc­ture”, on Saturday, February 19.

The talk series, which started in December, is presented in partnershi­p with RACV and MPavilion, and explores real-world social, cultural, and economic outcomes stemming from investment in leading cultural organisati­ons.

Following powerful presentati­ons by Katrina Sedgwick OAM and Nicole Durling, the February talk will be presented by Bree Pickering, who has been at the helm of Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) since 2016.

Ms Pickering’s talk will look at social impact, and how a regional institutio­n is able to deliver against promised community identity, pride, social cohesion and even health and wellbeing outcomes.

Having arrived just one year into the life of MAMA, Ms Pickering will explore its successes, bumps in the road, and insights from its early years of operation.

Now in its sixth year, MAMA has become well known for its innovative exhibition program, diverse and challengin­g public programs, and vibrant education centre.

From successful­ly engaging with artists, building local audiences, to running a sustainabl­e business — Ms Pickering will share examples of the museum winning and losing as it experiment­ed its way from being a regional art gallery to a worldclass cultural experience.

Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said the talk provided an opportunit­y to learn more about the wide range of benefits from the operation of a high-class cultural institutio­n.

“Talks to date have particular­ly explored economic return of cultural tourism, the importance of community engagement, and activation of public spaces,” Mr Nash said.

“Bree’s talk will really underline how high-functionin­g galleries can be so much more than an arts destinatio­n, (and) how they can be incredibly enriching and healing for a community.”

The talk comes at an important time for Benalla Art Gallery.

Through funding from the state government, Benalla Rural City Council this week launched a public tender for architectu­ral services to produce a masterplan for the gallery redevelopm­ent, while Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines discussed the Gallery redevelopm­ent as a key $7m project in a $37 million budget request for projects across Benalla.

 ?? ?? Appearance: Murray Art Museum director Bree Pickering will talk at Benalla Art Gallery on February 19.
Appearance: Murray Art Museum director Bree Pickering will talk at Benalla Art Gallery on February 19.

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