Work to start on art gallery expansion

Source: Lakes Mail | By: David Stewart | Posted: February 8, 2019

A $2.3 million expansion of Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery will start next month, forcing the closure of the award-winning facility from March 31 to September.

The expansion will include extended collection storage and exhibition space, including dedicated space for contemporary Aboriginal art exhibitions and programming, covered outdoor programming space, a reconfigured entrance, new air-conditioning plant and additional photovoltaic cells.

Council’s arts, culture and tourism manager, Jacqui Hemsley, said a growing audience, increased demand for public exhibition space, and the gallery’s rapidly developing collection meant the expansion was essential.

“The gallery expansion will provide space to attract larger exhibitions increasing its appeal as a destination, while also allowing the gallery to simultaneously host complementary shows and public programs,” Ms Hemsley said.

“The project will enhance Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery’s role as a vital and forward-thinking regional facility in New South Wales, and will build on its award-winning Aboriginal programming.”

The expansion would also help in achieving the gallery’s target to reduce at least 30 per cent of its carbon footprint, she said.

The state government is funding the work in association with council.