BALLARAT’S major coup in securing the Archibald Prize for the next two years is potentially a game-changing exhibition for our feted art gallery.
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The direction and focus of the Art Gallery of Ballarat has come under significant scrutiny in recent years as, under the leadership of director Gordon Morrison, it has steadfastly resolved to shirk popularity in deference to mostly niche quality.
Having “loaned” the Eureka Flag to the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, questions have been asked about what it is exactly that will attract people to visit our historic gallery.
The gallery has staked its claim on having one of Australia most significant in-house collections while investing in major exhibitions such as Auld Lang Syne and Eikon: Icons of the Orthodox Christian World, which are two examples from this year.
These exhibitions have been termed enormously successful but, just like the art itself, beauty is often in the eye of the beholder.
The regional arts playing field is at times more competitive in Victoria than anywhere else in the nation.
Big numbers of visitors attending more populist exhibitions in Bendigo has changed the conversation about the priorities of regional arts leadership and how, indeed, our community assess the art itself.
In many respects, it has exposed the lack of investment more broadly in the arts in regional Victoria.
Indeed, galleries are seemingly thriving or struggling purely on the basis of the whims of government and generosity of communities rather than more sustainable models.
Art is costly and the economics are often not well understood.
There are many people in Ballarat who believe our gallery should be more visitation-driven and should embrace a more diverse showcase.
The gallery board is in the process of finalising a new strategic direction after a long review. Expect change but not of outlandish proportions.
What is absolutely necessary is for it to project a better understanding of its purpose.
Securing the Archibald Prize exhibition could be a tipping point which smooths the path forward and secures Ballarat’s position among Australia’s best galleries – and as one which is revered beyond our shores.