Its aim is to provide an outdoor venue for contemporary video artwork; live artistic events; greater insight into the Benalla Art Gallery history, collection and exhibitions; and support community arts events in the Benalla Botanical Gardens.
The after-dark projection space has been equally funded by the RACV Community Foundation, the state government, through the North East Victoria Tourism Board, and the state government’s $2.5 million Building Works Package.
The new space has been activated in time for Benalla Art Gallery’s presentation of Atong Atem’s Banksia, which features as a prominent event in the statewide photography festival, PHOTO 2022.
Banksia explores the lesser-known history of Australia’s first African settlers, considering migrant stories from a non-colonial perspective.
Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn said the new after-dark projection initiative would create a distinctive new space for a variety of pop-up functions and events.
“And through its dynamic programming (it will) attract new audiences to experience Benalla’s iconic cultural asset, the highly regarded Benalla Art Gallery,” Cr Hearn said.
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said the initiative was set in motion throughout successive COVID-19 lockdowns.
“It will ensure that the gallery is in a position to provide the wider community with meaningful points of engagement with the arts, in multiple spaces, throughout the year,” Mr Nash said.
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