Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM) will be able to continue to promote creativity in the shire and wider region, with a $240,000 cash injection from the state government to support the delivery of its annual artistic programs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The funding - $60,000 per annum - will allow BAMM to continue its popular art classes and stage exhibitions which attract many visitors to town for the next four years.
BAMM interim director Kate Tuart said the multi-year funding will allow staff to focus on fostering local artistic talent.
"It's through the ongoing support of the state government, Moree Plains Shire Council, Moree Cultural Art Foundation and community donations that BAMM has been able to serve the North West as a not-for-profit regional organisation for over 30 years," she said.
READ ALSO:
"Over the next year we will put this funding towards programs that encourage creativity, including our adult and children's workshops, art classes in isolated schools, art performances and artist talks.
"Without assistance like this it would also be difficult for us to hold events like the Moree Portrait Prize and BAMM Art Show.
"Annually, these exhibitions showcase the wide range of artistic talent on offer throughout our local area and provide creatives with a platform to exhibit their works to an audience.
"Once again I thank Adam [Marshall, Northern Tablelands MP] and the state government for their ongoing backing of BAMM."
Mr Marshall said BAMM, one of the more popular visitor experiences in the Moree Plains Shire, was not spared the financial hardship of COVID-19 as it was forced to close its doors for a nine-week period during the height of restrictions.
"This four-year funding goes some way to providing a financial buffer and certainty for the gallery, allowing management to continue maintaining the priceless collection and taking art classes to the community," he said.
"BAMM has a huge role to play in rebuilding the local visitor economy.
"As we saw this year, 2,700 patrons visited the gallery while the Archibald Prize 2019 regional tour was on show, many of them travelling from outside the region to stay in Moree.
"I look forward to seeing the exciting program BAMM puts together using these funds and the positive impact that has drawing new visitors to the region."
BAMM is currently taking nominations for its annual Moree Portrait Prize. Entries close on November 1.
For more information, go to www.bamm.org.au.
