The extension will enable the gallery to feature new exhibitions, increase engagement and add conservation spaces and Orange City Council is hopeful via community contributions that dream will not only come to fruition, but go to the next level.

The goal is to create a visual arts hub which will deliver the best in local, national and international art and allow education programs to be run for Orange-based and visiting audiences for decades to come.

The Orange Regional Gallery was granted $4.052 million dollars in the first round of the NSW Government's Regional Cultural Fund to extend the gallery, and a proposal to help raise the additional funds will go to the next Orange City Council meeting, being held on Tuesday, June 16.

"In order to take the extension to the next level, Orange Regional Gallery will be working with members of the community to make that happen through a new fundraising campaign," Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said.

"There are a number of ways in which the community can get involved, which includes purchasing naming rights of particular areas or by choosing to become a donor."

The current extension plans include a large new gallery space for contemporary art exhibitions, a lobby and theatrette able to seat 75 for community engagement, and a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled art storage and conservation area.

Orange City Council's Services Committee Chair Cr Scott Munro said the upgrade will ensure the Orange Regional Gallery evolves as a destination for cultural tourism with the capabilities to host exhibitions on an international scale.

He said the additional money will take the gallery beyond "a somewhat standard fit out".

"With the support of the community we will have a state-of-the-art gallery that will exceed everyone's expectations," Cr Munro said.

"We will be able to finish the fit out of the storage and conservation areas with custom built art storage racks and compactor units, as well as deliver an innovative and comprehensive day-lighting system across a range of spaces."

Fundraising Lead for the Gallery extension project, Kathy Snowball said this campaign, with the help of generous members of the community, will make a major difference in how art is able to be delivered to those in the region.

"It is a visionary project that will not only have far-reaching benefits for the Gallery and the arts but for the whole of Orange," Ms Snowball said.

"We will have a beautiful space where residents and visitors will be inspired, create and learn and I look forward to working with the community to make this vision a reality."

Naming the newly refurbished reception and the conservation areas in recognition of over three decades of valued community support is also being proposed for the Friends of Orange Regional Gallery and the Orange Regional Arts Foundation.

If members of the public or community groups are wanting more information on how they can get involved with the fundraising campaign, or make a tax deductible donation they are invited to contact the Director of Orange Regional Gallery, Bradley Hammond.