Benalla Art Gallery celebrates 50 years

Published on 13 November 2018

The Benalla Art Gallery celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday 9 November with a cocktail party and the opening of a new exhibition, Future Perfect, which showcases treasures from the Gallery’s collection by some of Australia’s most highly regarded artists.

The Benalla Art Gallery was established in 1968 in the Soldiers Memorial Hall and has since grown to become one of the leading public galleries in regional Australia.

Future Perfect includes highly popular items such as the Sidney Nolan Glenrowan tapestry.

Director of the Benalla Art Gallery, Bryony Nainby, said Future Perfect celebrates the extraordinary art collection that the Gallery has built over the past 50 years through the vision and generosity of donors.

“Since the Gallery was first proposed, many people have contributed to the Gallery’s success, from the first founders and benefactors to the thousands of volunteers and Friends of the Gallery who have donated time and effort over the decades,” Ms Nainby said.

“The Gallery has been built on the shoulders of those people who, through their vision, generosity and spirit, have given us the outstanding art collection, architectural icon and cultural richness we enjoy today.”

The 50th Anniversary cocktail party was organised by the Friends of Benalla Art Gallery and not only celebrated the past 50 years, but looked forward to the Gallery’s bright future.

Future Perfect is on display at the Benalla Art Gallery until 3 February 2018.