Situated in Gymea, in Sydney’s south, and set in 1.4 hectares of landscaped, heritage gardens, is Sutherland Shire Council’s Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre.Hazelhurst comprises a large regional gallery, community gallery, studio workshops, a 70 seat theatre, and a terrace cafe.
It is the only public arts complex in the country to combine an international standard gallery with a comprehensive arts centre.
Hazelhurst is set on an estate which once belonged to the late Ben and Hazel Broadhurst.The Broadhurst’sgenerously bequeathed their estate to Sutherland Shire, in the hope that it would one day become a source of inspiration and pleasure for everyone.
In 1994, Council officially took possession of the property and immediately established a sub committee to manage development of the site.Construction of Hazelhurst commenced in September of 1998 and was completed in December, 1999.
Hazelhurst opened its doors to the public in February 2000. In its first 18 months of operation, Hazelhurst saw over 180,000 visitors.
Hazelhurst is a business unit within Sutherland Shire Council. It has a board that oversees policy and strategic planning issues and a Centre’s Exhibitions Working Party that decides which exhibitions should be included.
“We have identifies the need to diversify art workshop course content and are pursuing some opportunities to provide access to digital media processes,” Marketing Manager for Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre, Andrea Merlak said,“We have some scope to develop an artist in residence program and are seeking to pursue more education and public program content through the creation of a dedicated position.”
Currently Hazelhurst is holding the Hazelhurst Art Award Exhibition, which runs from 17 November to 9 December, and Painting Forever: Tony Tuckson running from 15 December to 10 February 2002.
For further information contact the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Art Centre on (02) 9710 0493.
