IN breaking news, Hamilton Gallery will host a rare and spectacular exhibition: Emerging From Darkness: Faith, Emotion and The Body in the Baroque, featuring world renowned masterpieces from early December.

Works include some never-before-seen art at the opening on December 8, 2023, that runs through to April 14, 2024.

Touted as one of the most important exhibitions ever to be held in regional Australia, Hamilton Gallery director, Joshua White, said it was an internationally significant exhibition.

“We are very excited about this exhibition,” he said.

“Emerging From Darkness is world-class.

“This rare exhibition demonstrates how regional galleries can connect audiences to international experiences.”

Mr White said the project has been developed in partnership with several major institutions, “particularly the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria)”.

“It will be something never before seen and we are very, very fortunate for it to be coming here, to Hamilton,” he said.

“It will really drive tourism because of the quality of the exhibition.

“It will most definitely bring people from all over the country to see it and undoubtedly international visitors.”

The exhibition has been backed by the Victorian Government - with Tourism, Sport and Major Events minister, Steve Dimopoulos, proudly announcing the exhibition on Friday.

“(The) exhibition of baroque masterpieces is set to attract thousands of visitors to Hamilton,” he said.

He said it would contribute to the local economy by “boosting local jobs, hospitality and tourism across the Southern Grampians region.

“We’re excited to support Hamilton Gallery in bringing this historic exhibition to regional Victoria,” minister Dimopoulos said.

“It will be a huge cultural drawcard for the area over the summer months.”

The exhibition will feature European masters Artemisia Gentileschi, Lavinia Fontana, Sofonisba Anguissola, Peter Paul Rubens, Valentin de Boulogne, Guercino and Bartolomeo Manfredi.

The collection of works comes from partnerships and loans from the National Gallery of Victoria, the National Gallery of Australia and private Australian lenders.

Baroque is considered one of the most passionate and unapologetic art movements in history, and this marks the first exhibition of its kind to show in regional Australia.

The exhibition will be complemented by a symposium, a series of expert talks, accommodation and food and wine packages, and a collector’s coffee table book.

Support from the Regional Events Fund will help drive art lovers to Hamilton and the surrounding area.