Forbes Art Society has secured $250,000 from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Creative Capital Program to cover the costs of installing a new heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system.
NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said that the investment was one of the final building blocks to the Gallery’s renovations which are set to be completed later this year.
“This is such fantastic news for artists, art enthusiasts, students and the whole community of Forbes,” Mr Farraway said.
“This system is the final puzzle piece in the renovations to the Forbes Art Gallery which will soon see world class artworks being exhibited right here in Forbes.
“The new air-conditioning and humidity control system will bring the Gallery up to national exhibition standards and will improve the ability for the Gallery to borrow and display paintings and sculptures from major institutional collections.
“I am proud to be part of a Nationals Government that listens to the voices in the regions and sees that investments in rural galleries, cultural programs and performance spaces are significant opportunities to balance the scales for families in the bush.
“I cannot wait to see what the Gallery has planned for 2023 and beyond!”
Forbes Art Society Chairperson Helen Mallick thanked the NSW Government for supporting greater access to a quantity, quality and diversity of exhibitions, events and
activities in regional communities.
“Not only will this enabling infrastructure allow us to partner with state and national exhibition touring agencies to bring major artworks and collections to Forbes, it will also safeguard our permanent collection, as well as enhance the overall visitor experience.”
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $72 million Creative Capital program aims to boost equity and access to arts and culture facilities for the people of NSW. With 165 projects across the state, more people will have access to top-class arts and cultural experiences.
Further details on the Creative Capital program are available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.
Nationals candidate for Orange Tony Mileto and MLC Sam Farraway with Cr Marg Duggan, GM Steve Loane, Mayor Phyllis Miller, Forbes Art Society chair Trudy Mallick, Cr Maria Willis, Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance. Picture supplied.