Hervey Bay Regional Gallery going from strength to strength

About 20,000 people have visited 17 exhibitions featuring 123 different artists at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery since it reopened in April 2022 after a major renovation.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the gallery was developing new local audiences and establishing itself as a landmark cultural attraction for Queensland, interstate and international visitors.

“The Fraser Coast has a colourful and vibrant cultural life, and Council is keen to ensure our community has opportunities to appreciate its arts, heritage and cultural diversity,” he said.

“Our gallery team is committed to sharing art within our community and has produced 68 public programs and hosted more than 60 school and group visits since the reopening in 2022.

“More than half the visitors to the gallery are local (52 per cent), with 22 per cent Queensland visitors, 19 per cent interstate visitors and seven per cent international visitors.

“It’s interesting to note too that more than half (54 per cent) of those visiting since April 2022 had never visited the gallery before.

“Through art, we can better understand the world around us and how we are all connected.

“I hope residents and visitors enjoy spending time in the gallery and are inspired, engaged and challenged by our 2024 exhibition program.”

Cr Seymour said the 2024 program centres on storytelling with diverse exhibitions ranging from the history of South Sea Islander labourers in the region, to the innovative use of recycled waste water in sustainable timber plantations, to the unconventional beauty of suburban architecture.

“The 2024 program develops and promotes the arts in the region by celebrating established Fraser Coast artists and platforming the next generation of creative talent,” he said.

“Through partnerships with leading national institutions, local artists’ work will be complemented by cutting-edge art from the rest of Australia and the Asia Pacific.”

For more information on the 2024 program and the current exhibitions, go to www.hbrg.com.au