Castlemaine Art Museum’s request for $100,000 in annual funding from the Mount Alexander Shire council was formally rejected at a council meeting on Tuesday, but the shire’s mayor has hinted extra financial support for the institution may be considered at a later date.

The council endorsed its 2018-19 budget on Tuesday night, which included an extra $7000 each year for the gallery, bringing the councils annual contribution to around $30,000, and an additional $5000 for the Buda Historic House and Garden. 

CAM ($100,000) and the Buda Historic House and Garden ($60,000) made submissions to the council’s draft budget for extra cash.

Mount Alexander Shire mayor Bronwen Machin described CAM’s request as a “big ask” in the current financial climate. 

“It’s the equivalent of providing another service, as councillors we understand the value of our whole art scene, we’re not debating that at all. We need to work out how to do it (support the gallery), and we’re not prepared to do that until we have some clarity on how they're going to operate going forward,” she said.

In August the Castlemaine Art Gallery came perilously close to closing and was eventually saved by a $250,000 donation from an anonymous white knight, keeping the institution open for a further two years.

It has since been rebuilding at a reduced capacity and CAM deputy chair Craig Mutton last week said the board was working, in conjunction with Creative Victoria, to develop a sustainable long-term business model, expected to be completed in early 2019.

The extra $7000 for the gallery was an admission from council that its historical contribution of around $23,000 hadn’t accounted for CPI increases in recent years, Cr Machin said.

The shire’s budget included a new position of a grants officer, which the mayor said would help the council better access state and federal government funds. 

“There’s quite a few institutions that will need this help - we're starting to see the impact of difficult financial times,” she said.

MONDAY Two of Castlemaine’s cultural showpieces will likely receive additional funding as the Mount Alexander Shire Council looks to formally endorse its 2018-19 budget on Tuesday, but not as much as either had envisaged.

The Castlemaine Art Museum ($100,000) and the Buda Historic House and Garden ($60,000) made submissions to the council’s draft budget for additional funding. 

They will receive an extra $7000 and $5000 respectively if a recommendation in the latest council agenda is approved by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday night. 

Read more: Gallery to shut after funding dries up

CAM, which receives around $23,000 annually from the council, asked for $100,000 for the next three years to assist “in the transition to a sustainable model and future”. 

In August the Castlemaine Art Gallery came perilously close to closing and was eventually saved by a $250,000 donation from an anonymous white knight, keeping the institution open for a further two years.

It has since been rebuilding at a reduced capacity and CAM deputy chair Craig Mutton last week said the board was working, in conjunction with Creative Victoria, to develop a sustainable long-term business model.

That model would hopefully include partnering with an institution, whether it be a university or local government, he said.

Mr Mutton said the funding was “less than desired”, but was a good indication that relationships between the two organisations were developing.

“We were hopeful there would be a greater contribution from the council but it’s fair to say this is about opening those doors and building those relationships,” he said.

A response to the request from a council officer in the council agenda read: “It is noted that Castlemaine Art Museum is still in the process of developing a new funding and business model. It is therefore recommended that council consider this request for funding once that work is completed.”

The Buda Historic House and Garden appealed for $60,000 for conservation management plans and funding for a concept plan for the development of a new building, which will act as a museum and archives office.

The organisation also requested their annual funding be increased from $7000 to $20,000 “to ensure BUDA can maintain its current level of community engagement”.

A council response to the request read: “No council funding is recommended for BUDA conservation management plan development. Council previously provided funding for the master plan development, and further discussions are required to understand the request for concept planning support.” 

Mount Alexander Shire Council mayor Bronwen Machin declined to comment before the budget was formally endorsed.