Support for South West art - 14 February 2008
People from all over the world will be able to take virtual tours of the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries (BRAG) thanks to an $18,700 State Government grant.
South West MLC Adele Farina said the funds, made possible through the South West Development Commission’s Regional Development Scheme, would go towards redevelopment of the BRAG website to help it become a state-of-the-art portal of visual arts in the South West.
“The BRAG website will be redesigned and provide a virtual art gallery offering fully curated exhibits for online visitors, increasing access for regional people” Ms Farina said.
“It will help enhance art appreciation in the South West and provide a valuable educational tool.
“The strong online presence will attract greater exposure for local artists at a State, national and even international level and is expected to spark greater sales of South West art.”
Ms Farina said the State Government had also contributed funds to support the 21st birthday celebrations of the gallery.
“BRAG is putting on a retrospective exhibition showing off the best South West arts and crafts of the past 20 years,” Ms Farina said.
“The Surveys Past exhibition is made up of award winning works from previous surveys.
“This historic exhibition is a demonstration of the region’s cultural expansion over the past two decades and underlines the importance of art-related industries to the economic and cultural development of the South West.
“The South West Development Commission provides State Government funds through its South West Events Program and Regional Development Scheme to support events and initiatives that enhance the lifestyle and economy of the region.”
Ms Farina said the additional $2200 grant provided by the commission helped cover writers fees and printing costs leading up to the event.
Surveys Past will runs at the gallery from February 16 to April 6 2008.
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Media contact:
Scott Maclean