THE ART Gallery of Ballarat Foundation will host its marquee fundraising event this weekend in a bid to celebrate the Archibald Prize while raising much-needed funds for future gallery developments.
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Set to be held on Saturday night, the gala event will be attended by some of the art industry’s highly regarded enthusiasts and philanthropists.
Art Gallery of Ballarat Foundation chairperson Mark Guirguis said the aim of the event was two fold.
He said not only would the gala increase exposure of the Archibald Prize but would help secure donations for future gallery exhibitions and acquisitions.
“From the gallery’s point-of-view, the Archibald Prize is a great opportunity to get the community involved and get a lot of people who have not come through the gallery to come in,” Mr Guirguis said.
“A lot of the ticket sales will go towards the Foundation which is really important to the gallery in terms of providing funds to conserve the collection and acquire new and important pieces while keeping the gallery at the forefront as an important civic building.”
At the end of last year, the Art Gallery of Ballarat was able to purchase Evan’s Bakery thanks to the funds available within the Foundation.
Mr Guirguis said the property would be an invaluable asset for future gallery developments.
“It provides a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redevelop the gallery and change the way it functions,” he said.
“We are hoping this fundraiser will act as a kick-start to building funds which will be coming up over the next few years.”
The fundraiser will be hosted by Gorgi Coghlan and will feature a VIP panel with the director of the National Gallery of Victoria Tony Ellwood, 2011 Archibald Prize winner Ben Quilty and international model, activist and 2015 Archibald Prize muse, Ballarat’s own Ollie Henderson.
“We’ve been able to secure some arts royalty and having them there is quite a coup,” Mr Guirguis said.
The Art Gallery of Ballarat Foundation fundraising gala will be held on Saturday. Tickets cost $180. For more information, visit archibaldballarat.com.au