Grant in frame for Manjimup Art Gallery

The future of art exhibitions in Manjimup is bright with a handful of upgrades on the way for the local gallery. The Manjimup Art Gallery recently received a $7954 grant from Art on the Move to facilitate the project which includes improvements to the exhibition space and the purchase of new equipment. The main gallery has received a fresh coat of paint, with the entrance area soon to be Gyprocked to create potential additional exhibition space and new signage and way finding also in the works. The grant will also cover the purchase of new equipment to enhance exhibitions, including a smart TV to include digital media, a new display cabinet and stanchion poles. Manjimup Shire manager of libraries and cultural services Vanda Dei-Tos said the upgrades would elevate the future of exhibitions in the town. “The improvements and equipment will expand the range and quality of exhibitions that can be staged at the art gallery, offering more innovative and holistic experiences for locals and visitors,” she said. “The changes will increase our ability to attract more artists and artistic collaborations with other galleries. We are looking forward to attracting more touring exhibitions as they offer regional audiences the chance to view and experience a wider variety of innovatively-curated displays and presentations across an array of media.” Ms Dei-Tos said the upgrades would also help the region’s art scene as a whole moving forward. “Additional spaces for artistic activities are important in an area rich with artists and art lovers,” she said. “They offer opportunities for professional growth and a greater exposure of their work to a wider viewing audience. “The enhancements to the gallery will add to the high quality arts infrastructure in the region and in the longer-term, improve the sustainability of arts and cultural galleries in regional WA.” This week the gallery began displaying the 2021 Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival Art Award exhibition, which runs until December 15.