A DECISION was made at a recent meeting of the council of the City of Greater Bendigo to seek public comments on the proposal to explore the possibility of some facilities and venues, including the Bendigo Art Gallery, becoming a separated entity from the council and self-sufficient.
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On the assumption that many members of the public are not aware of the governance structure at the gallery, I believe it is appropriate that I offer these initial comments;
The art gallery is owned and operated by the City, in accordance with a legal agreement signed in 1995 and recently reviewed, during the time of Local Government amalgamations.
Through this agreement, the gallery has an independent board, composed of elected citizens, who act in a voluntary capacity in the best interests of the gallery and the city.
One of the principal roles for the board is to seek donations from bequests, foundations, trusts, philanthropists and the general public.
We have a successful track record, particularly in recent years, due in no small part to the success and popularity of the gallery.
It must be emphasised that these donations are ‘tied’, i.e. they can only be used for the acquisition and conservation of works of art and contributions to major building developments as recently occurred.
Over the years, the board has purchased in excess of 5000 works of art, all of which have been gifted to the City of Greater Bendigo.
That means they are owned by the citizens of Bendigo. As a result of this absolutely no ratepayer funds were required.
Another matter which does not always receive the recognition it deserves is the economic benefits generated by the exceedingly large number of visitors, mostly from out of town, whenever a major exhibition is being held.
Every year an average of 100,00 people visit the gallery, sometimes a lot more, and the benefits to the local hospitality providers and shops are very significant.
The Grace Kelly exhibition alone was estimated, by independent economists, to generate benefits in excess of $14 million.
Each and every year the gallery conservatively contributes approximately $20 million to our regional economy and community.
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