STATE Opposition Leader, Matthew Guy, has put his support behind the Bendigo Art Gallery upgrade.<\/p>\n
In Bendigo last week, Mr Guy said a Liberals-Nationals State Government would provide $15.5 million for the project if elected this November.<\/p>\n
\u201c[The art gallery] has got a fantastic future ahead of it, but it needs to be upgraded,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt needs bigger spaces, more contemporary space, it needs to go up, and it needs the ability to house more exhibitions and visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n
The total cost of the upgrade is $48 million, with $31 million expected to be provided by the State and Federal governments and the remainder sourced from the City of Greater Bendigo, the Bendigo Art Gallery, and philanthropic donations.<\/p>\n
The works would increase the total size of the facility, with an expansion towards Rosalind Park and a second level built.<\/p>\n
It is anticipated it would allow for more Traditional Owner collections and spaces for free exhibitions and school tours, even during major exhibitions.<\/p>\n
The Liberal-Nationals are the first party to pledge funding to the project and Mr Guy said the upgrade is important for Victoria\u2019s \u201ccultural future\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis facility has certainly come to its own in the last 12 months and two years in particular with some of the high profile exhibits they\u2019ve had,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n