In May 2005, Clarence Valley Council won the New South Wales Local Government and Shires Associations award for Cultural Infrastructure for the Grafton Regional Gallery. This award recognises the importance of cultural industries in regional areas of New South Wales.
Gallery Director, Jude McBean, said the award is great recognition of the dedication and commitment of the Clarence Valley community and Council, who together established and developed the Gallery.
Established in 1988 through the Jacaranda Art Society, the Gallery is home to a permanent collection of over 680 works. There have been two major extension projects, one in 1991 and another in 1999. A third is now being planned.
The Gallery has strong community ownership, which is partly demonstrated by more than 85 volunteers that help to operate the facility.
In response to geographic challenges, Gallery Director, Jude McBean said key programs such as the Gallery’s Outreach Education Service are essential.
“Our project officers take artworks from our collection to schools and senior citizens homes in the Clarence Valley area,” she said. “After a discussion based presentation, school children complete worksheets, while seniors have the opportunity for further discussion about the various artworks”.
“The Gallery is currently planning an Outreach Exhibition Program involving displays in libraries and community halls. Our outreach programs are very effective for small and isolated communities.”
Jude McBean said that local industries have also benefited from the development and growth of the Gallery.
“For example, a local removal company responded to our transportation needs by developing trucks equipped to transport fine art,” she said. “They now transport work from galleries all along the eastern seaboard.”
In 2004, over 41,000 people visited the Gallery, a figure that is growing every year. “Art enriches life and gives meaning,” Jude McBean said. “It allows us to look at ourselves, and good art connects and makes sense to us.”
