Geelong Gallery business case for expansion: key facts

In December 2021, Geelong Gallery completed a Business Case for expansion in conjunction with the City of Greater Geelong and Regional Development Victoria through the Enabling Tourism Fund.

The Business Case seeks investment in the range of $110 million to $120 million over five years from Federal, State and local governments along with philanthropic sources, to deliver priority infrastructure to revitalise and expand Geelong Gallery, and realise the organisation’s significant role in the delivery and activation of the Geelong Cultural Precinct Masterplan. Geelong Gallery is seeking support now, so that a new model of a 21st century regional gallery can be built and opened by early 2027.

Key reasons for the Geelong Gallery expansion:

• The population of the Greater Geelong region is changing rapidly and Geelong Gallery is not keeping pace as a regional facility of state significance
• Infrastructure and other constraints are hindering Geelong Gallery from attracting and presenting more commercially viable exhibitions
• Geelong Gallery can currently display less than 2% of its nationally important collection, limiting large-scale exhibitions and placing pressure on the safe storage and preservation of the collection

Statements made by Geelong Gallery and the City of Greater Geelong

Geelong Gallery Director & CEO, Jason Smith said: “Artists and art are essential to any community and its culture. Great art galleries enrich our mind and spirit. They celebrate our creativity. They challenge us. They connect us. And great art galleries provide space for the critical thinking of current and future generations. Geelong is ready and, in need of, a great gallery.”

City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor, Trent Sullivan said: “The City of Greater Geelong Council supports Geelong Gallery’s expansion. The proposed purpose-built facility meets the needs of our rapidly growing, progressive and culturally diverse community. It also aligns with the Council’s 10-year Arts and Culture Strategy, which prioritises a vibrant cultural, learning and social space that connects to the unique heritage of our historic City Hall.”