BALLARAT’S premier cultural institution this week celebrated another milestone, registering its 1600th member.
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The Art Gallery of Ballarat Association yesterday recognised strong growth in the past three years, awarding a special prize to its newest member.
Helen Smith of Ballarat became the association’s 1600th member, winning a voucher to gallery cafe Sweet Decadence.
Gallery director Gordon Morrison said when admission was made free in October 2008, there were concerns that membership of the Association would decrease.
“In fact, the opposite has proved the case,” he said yesterday.
“The surge in support the Gallery has enjoyed since that time has also included a significant increase in membership.”
Mr Morrison attributed the figures to exhibitions including last year’s Australian Modern Masterpieces.
Convenor of the membership committee Geraldine Roberts said that membership awareness had been a priority.
“Our committee has worked hard to increase awareness of belonging to an environment where we can all enjoy a sense of history and learning.
“We find that even visitors to Ballarat are happy to become members, given how close the Gallery is to the railway station and how pleasant it is to come for an outing to visit.”
