THE New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale has announced a funding boost, with $180,000 coming from the state government in the next three years.
Gallery director Robert Heather, who has been in the job for two-and-a-half months, said it was an exciting time for the gallery, as the security of three years meant he could plan far into the future.
“We’re looking to send local artists (in late 2016) to Sydney to paint the scenes Howard Hinton did 125 years ago, to see how things have changed.
“So we’re sending country artists to the city.”
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said NERAM was a wonderful community asset and key cultural attraction for the area, and is pleased the gallery received this grant.
"Previously funding was only provided on a year-to-year basis at a much lower level, so this funding increase and the three-year certainty is great news for one of our region’s cultural icons.”
There are plans to provide more opportunities for local artists in the wider region, and to create a more sustainable building.
“We have an action plan to reduce the energy we use,” Mr Heather said.
“We’re looking at LED lighting, getting better insulation for the building, and even solar power.”
New exhibitions will also be brought in, including works by Australian artist Shaun Tan later this year.
NERAM hosted the 2015 Archibald Prize exhibition last Friday.
