The first inaugural meeting of the Ararat Gallery TAMA Collection Working Group has already seen significant steps taken in future-proofing the Gallery’s collection.
The newly formed Ararat Gallery TAMA Collection Working Group, convened by Ararat Gallery Coordinator Katy Mitchell, is comprised of a broad cross-section of representatives from our vibrant cultural scene including practicing artists, community members, and Council.
Commenting on the first meeting, Katy Mitchell said it was fantastic to see people come together who share a passion for the Gallery.
“Designed to increase community engagement and continue building the most significant public collection of contemporary textiles in Australia, the Working Group serves as a platform where works by emerging artists can be considered alongside more established practices currently found in the Gallery’s collection,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The efforts and decisions of the Working Group will ensure the views of the local community and local arts community are front and centre in the decision making of future collections and direction of the Gallery.
“This year’s members are Cecilia Stewart, Celina Day, Christine Baines, Geoff Todd and Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison, who are well placed to advise on how to harness the potential of the Gallery’s collections.
“Collecting is really about the process of finding, selecting and negotiating either a donation or purchase of works for the Gallery’s collection – we’ve discussed three donation proposals of local significance: A series of lino-cut prints by Nanette Bourke, Two hand-bound illustrated books by Stan Kelly and a piece by Carole Mules, which we have decided to accept.
“To resume the Working Group is an important step for us to develop the Gallery's collection, to ensure we preserve, enrich, and make the collection accessible for generations to come."
The next meeting will be held in February 2023.
