Gallery’s expansion push
GEELONG Art Gallery would be expanded to attract largescale exhibitions under plans that would need up to $120m in government and philanthropic funding.
New designs of the proposed expansion reveal plans to transform its exterior to include a modern facade and to extend the gallery’s footprint into the nearby City Hall.
The gallery, in conjunction with the City of Greater Geelong and Regional Development Victoria, completed a business case for the expansion in December last year.
The business case seeks investment of between $110m-120m over five years from all three levels of government and philanthropic sources. If the business case is successful, leaders hope the gallery would be built and opened by early 2027.
It is expected a redeveloped gallery would draw 350,000 visitors a year by 2035, include new contemporary gallery spaces to display the collection and support 25 full-time staff and 1200 construction-phase jobs.
It is hoped the gallery would also draw 20,000 education visits each year and host 300 community events and 60 outreach programs.
The redesign would also include two artist-in-residence spaces.
Over a 30-year period, the Geelong Gallery is expected to draw $73.9m in tourism spends, bring an amenity benefit of $223m and educational benefits of $18.5m.
Gallery director and chief executive Jason Smith said Geelong “is ready and, in need of, a great art gallery”.
President Gerard Mullaly said the gallery had “undertaken significant work” throughout its business case process in project specification, development of a fundraising strategy and supporting processes, project timelines, and consultation with stakeholders.
“The gallery has strong confidence in its case for change, and the preferred option that has been determined,” Mr Mullaly said.
“The gallery’s redevelopment project is now ready for funding to proceed to detailed design, advanced planning for procurement, and construction.’
City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan
said council supported the expansion and connection to City Hall.
“The proposed purposebuilt facility meets the needs of our rapidly growing, progressive and culturally diverse community,” he said.
A government spokesman said the government had invested $140m into the Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop St Redevelopment and would “continue to talk to the Geelong Art Gallery about its plans”.
It is understood Geelong Gallery is receiving $560,000 over the next four years through Creative Victoria’s Creative Enterprises Program.