Work is set to start this month on a major extension to the Orange Regional Gallery.
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Arts minister Don Harwin, Mayor Reg Kidd and Sam Farraway MLC turned the first sod for the $5 million project on Thursday afternoon.
Orange City Council's Services Committee chair Scott Munro said the project would use mainly local contractors.
He said the winning tenderers Renascent Regional had indicated 78 per cent would delivered by local and regional suppliers.
Designed by Sam Marshall, at Architect Marshall, the project includes a 270 square metre contemporary gallery. It will make use of natural lighting and will have a 75 seat gallery theatre.
The gallery theatre will be used as gathering space in Orange for engagement and education programs and be available for community use.
A new state-of-the art collection and conservation area is included in the extension to protect the gallery's nationally-significant collection.
The project includes major refurbishments to the existing reception area and smaller downstairs gallery with the existing Alan Sisley Gallery becoming a space to showcase highlights from the gallery's permanent collection.
It is due to open in spring next year. The extension is being funded by the state government's Regional Cultural Fund ($4 million) and Orange City Council ($1 million).
Community contributions of about $300,000 have been raised toward design costs and fit out.
Mr Harwin said it was one of 136 projects around the state that would make a "real difference" to regional arts and culture.
He said the Orange project was among the top 10.
Cr Kidd said it was an example of government, council and the community working together.
"Coupled with the financial contribution from the NSW government and from council, the gallery and its significant support network is actively fundraising to create a visual arts hub which will deliver the very best in local, national and international art," he said.
Gallery director Brad Hammond said the gallery was temporarily closed but would be open from November-March before closing again to re-open with the new extension.
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David Fitzsimons
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
