Published on Friday, 30 April 2021 at 10:22:06 AM
Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) have welcomed a fresh new interior that enhances the A-Class Exhibition space thanks to funding from the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost.
Upgrades were completed throughout February and coincided with the Geraldton Visitor Centre relocating to the premises.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn thanked the State Government for their support.
“We’ve been able to make some significant refurbishments to GRAG and they wouldn’t have been possible with the State Government providing financial assistance,” he said.
“The heritage building has seen many changes since it opened in 1907 and the upgrade to lighting, acoustics and the building’s internal aesthetic certainly brings it into 2021.
“At the same time we welcomed the Geraldton Visitor Centre, and have seen a steady rise in the number of visitors enjoying both facilities.”
New additions to the interior include the introduction of sound baffles into the ground floor ceiling, painting of the gallery interior trims and doors, and equipment for exhibitions and events.
Over the last 114 years the building has served as a Town Hall and venue for many community functions including dances, concerts, theatre and films.
It was also considered “the place to be” during World War II with various community gatherings and events taking place.
In the 1980s, the old Town Hall survived demolition due to community action, and in 1984 the Geraldton Art Gallery was opened, later becoming the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery. Long term residents will recall the Geraldton Tourist Bureau was also located at this site during the mid-1980’s.
Refurbishment works were assisted by grant funding through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost managed by the Department of Local Government, Spot and Cultural Industries, which is supported by Royalties for Regions and delivered by ART ON THE MOVE.
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