THE Hamilton Gallery will see upgrades to its facilities in the near future after receiving $549,678 from the State Government as part of The Regional Collections Access Program.

The funding was announced Thursday morning at a gathering held at the Hamilton Gallery, with prominent local figures present such as Uncle Johnny Lovett who gave a welcome to country, Southern Grampians Shire chief executive, Tony Doyle, and Southern Grampians Shire mayor, Bruach Colliton.

The funding will be used to improve lighting and climate control at the Hamilton Gallery to allow for better access to its collection, and to host touring exhibitions from other museums and galleries – including the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

Mr Doyle said the Southern Grampians Shire was “incredibly grateful” to the Victorian Government for the funding that would provide critical improvements to the Gallery.

“It is a really great announcement and a really important announcement today for our Gallery,” he said.

“It really allows the Gallery to better connect national collections with our local community and through art really build that community connection and community understanding of the importance of art.

“Art galleries should be absolute hubs for community, and I feel the Hamilton Gallery is that but this grant will provide us with far more opportunity to build on the legacy we have here.”

NGV head of conservation, Michael Varcoe-Cocks said The Regional Collections Access Program was “visionary”, with the upgraded facilities at the Hamilton Gallery opening the door for further collaborations with NGV.

“It’s exciting for us, it has opened the door for further collaboration,” he said.

“I think this means we will be seeing things like touring programs, maybe targeting specific collections here, indigenous collections could be toured as well and be closer to community which is what we’re all trying to achieve.

“Even though lighting and air conditioning systems might not seem like the most important things in the world, the artworks are enjoying luxury health preservation, not just for us to enjoy today, but also for future generations.”

While Creative Industries minister, Danny Pearson, was unable to attend the funding announcement in person, a recorded speech was played where he labelled the funding “an absolute gamechanger” for bringing more art opportunities to the Western District. 

“It’s a win for the Gallery and a win for the region,” he said.

“Victoria’s regional galleries and museums are among the best in the country, attracting tourists and jobs to vibrant cities and towns while preserving and showcasing precious cultural artefacts.

“This funding will help attract more touring exhibitions to regional Victoria and introduce more people to our incredible regional collections.”

Spanning regional Victoria, there were 36 funding recipients which also included the Warrnambool Art Gallery and the Portland Arts Centre.

The Regional Collections Access Program is administered through Regional Arts Victoria, in partnership with Creative Victoria, Australian Museums and Galleries Association Victoria, Public Galleries Association of Victoria, and the NGV.