South West set for artistic celebration after funding from Public Regional Galleries Improvement Fund

Two South West galleries will now have greater opportunities to provide first-class exhibitions for touring artists after receiving State Government funding. Collie Art Gallery and the Manjimup Gallery are two of 11 WA galleries set to receive funding through the second round of the State Government’s Public Regional Galleries Improvement Fund. The 11 galleries will share $346,000 to increase opportunities for WA tourism through the arts sector, supporting spaces for more visual art exhibitions and gallery-based entertainment through infrastructure development and exhibition budgeting. The funding will also enable smaller galleries to continue supporting touring WA artists. Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the funding would also improve local employment in both the art and building sectors. “These upgrades create local employment and job opportunities and ensure that galleries have the capacity to safely host valuable touring exhibitions,” she said. “This important infrastructure gives regional towns a creative hub, providing cultural and economic benefits and giving a place for artists to show their work.” Culture and Arts Minister David Templeman said art was an important part of cultural experiences. “WA’s regional communities will have the chance to engage with new visual art exhibitions, bringing creative growth and building a healthy and vibrant place to live,” he said. “This funding boosts the regional visual arts sector, bringing the opportunity for more people to see the unique perspectives of our high-calibre WA artists.”