New home for national photography centre

BALLARAT is set to house the National Centre for Photography thanks to a recent Victorian Government budget announcement.

The $6.7 million investment will see the iconic 1860s heritage-listed Union Bank building on Lydiard Street transformed into a leading photography destination for artists, residents and tourists.

Artistic director of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale Fiona Sweet said the funding will enable the organisation to fast-track the development of the building into a functional gallery and educational space.

“We’re extremely thrilled with the support from the Andrew’s Government in helping us to realise this major arts institution here in Ballarat,” she said.

“It will be an activation of over five art galleries, artistic workshops, education programs to allow not just the community of Ballarat but tourists around Victoria and the world to come to our city and immerse themselves in photographic art.

“We’re so pleased that the National Centre for Photography and its state-of-the-art digital gallery space will become a reality.”

As part of the space, the centre will market a range of programs to attract domestic and international artists and visitors, modelling off the success of the Foto Biennale event.

In announcing the money, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said Ballarat’s reputation as a creative city will be greatly enhanced.

“This is a great day for Ballarat, we are a creative city, well known for our art galleries and artistic people and are now going to be the National Centre for Photography,” she said.

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle added, “Ballarat has so much to offer visitors and the National Centre for Photography will create another great reason to visit.

“It will be a showcase for artists and a drawcard for visitors, creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”

Early estimations show the project could potentially generate $75.7 million in economic benefit over the coming 15 years and bring more than 54,000 visitors to the city in two years.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the Biennale is one of Victoria’s iconic regional events and the National Centre for Photography will allow it to contribute to Ballarat’s economy year-round.

“We want Victorians to get out and enjoy our state by taking their holidays in regional Victoria, that’s why we’re backing landmark regional institutions like this,” he said.