2022 OVONEWS FEBRUARY ISSUE 010 P4
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Newcastle Art Gallery closes for 2-year expansion
Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton, NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Photo: City of Newcastle
From page 1 The collection will still be available online and represented across digital screen sites throughout the city during the expansion project. Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the expanded gallery would be a major attraction for the city. “The long-awaited expansion of the gallery which our foundation, society and the community have worked tirelessly towards will offer the ability to share more of our collection, displaying works of art of local, national and international importance for visitors to view and enjoy,” Morton said. “To have all levels of government
commit, collaborate and do this for our city is just incredible. “We are beyond thrilled; all of my team are walking on clouds!” Morton said the project was more than just about increasing the art space but also re-imagining the gallery and launching a new era of cultural tourism. “This project is about re-imagining the Art Gallery to redefine what we offer as a destination and launch a new era of cultural tourism that will consolidate the Hunter’s reputation as an active and vibrant centre for the arts in NSW,” Morton said. “We have such a strong art community, and it amazes me that our gallery has
lasted for the 44 years that it has; our collection has grown by 500 per cent and values at $115M, but we can’t get any of it on display because we don’t have the physical space. “To be able to finally get them up on the wall so that the community can come in and see their favourites is incredibly exciting.” Morton was also recognised on the Australia Day Honours List and awarded Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for her outstanding and meritorious service to the museums and galleries sector. She sits on multiple Industry Boards and Committees for organisations such
as Create NSW, Museums and Galleries NSW, the University of Newcastle, and the John Hunter Hospital. “I am absolutely blown away; I just feel incredibly humbled and really proud to be recognised for what I love to do,” Morton said. “To be recognised in an incredibly wonderful way is a huge honour, and I’m not sure it’s entirely sunk in yet!” Morton is the first female Director in Newcastle Art Gallery’s 64-year history and, under her leadership, has helped the gallery achieve the highest audience participation in over a decade. Hayley McMahon
The expansion is expected to inject more than $1M into annual regional revenue by attracting over 14,000 additional visitors each year Photo: City of Newcastle
