SAM's success is Shepparton's success

ALREADY a cultural icon, the Shepparton Art Museum has had 62,000 visitors pass through its rotating doors, with the promise of 100,000 annually.

A community hub on Country, SAM brings people of all ages and cultural backgrounds together in a shared appreciation of art and art engagement, and with visitation from across the country streaming in, the economic flow on effect for regional business is in the $10s of millions.

“An estimated 45 to 50 percent of those visitors are outside the 3630 postcode,” said SAM business manager, Andrew Gooley.

Much more than just a gallery, artistic director and CEO, Melinda Martin said that SAM is a place of meeting; a drawcard that invites people of all ages to not only engage with art but also with the ideas and creative inspiration it generates.

“I want locals to connect with this unique space and with all the captivating creative arts and cultural experiences we have planned inside and out.

“SAM is a leading arts institution and together with other amazing attractions in Shepparton, like MOVE we are making Shepparton a must-see cultural destination. “I want SAM to allow art to sharpen our senses, stimulate discourse, and deepen our capacity for artistic enrichment, Melinda said.

Stating that inclusivity is at the heart of SAM’s engagement with its patrons, engagement manager, Gabriella Calandro said,

“SAM’s workshops, talks, programmes and events aim to engage local creatives, artists and community members alike and give people the space to have fun, gain new skills, and explore their creative side.”

But it is the spirit of collaboration, reconciliation and engagement with First Nations people and the multicultural community that SAM achieves, as Melinda asserted, “Working with First Nations team and with the rich multicultural community we want to make sure that we are the best exemplar of these relationships.”

SAM’s workshops,

talks, programmes and INCLUSIVITY AND INSPIRATION THROUGH ART... SAM’s engagement manager, events aim to engage Gabriella Calandro wants patrons and local creatives to explore art through participation in programmes, workshops and talks. Photo: Cam Matheson

local creatives, artists and community members alike