A big moment for a city that loves art

GEELONG’s arts and culture scene well and truly punches above its weight, rivalling that of major cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the programming on offer at Geelong Gallery.

For years, the gallery at Little Malop has attracted phenomenal exhibitions. Last year, the Archibald Prize made itself at home on the gallery walls, showcasing the most esteemed portraiture in Australia and New Zealand.

And this year, the Geelong Gallery is celebrating 130 years in operation. To mark this momentous milestone, the team has gone above and beyond, securing an internationally acclaimed collection of works that will be sure to draw art enthusiasts from near and far.

Next month, “Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel, art dealer among the artists” will mark the most ambitious international showcase in the gallery’s history.

More than 70 paintings from across two generations of impressionists will be on display, a majority of which come from a private collection in France, never before seen in Australia.

The famed brushstrokes of Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, and Camille Pissarro will hang alongside a second generation of painters who continued the movement, including Albert André, Georges d’Espagnat, Gustave Loiseau, Maxime Maufra and Henry Moret.

Together, the two generations of works will showcase a shared mastery of light and atmosphere that defined the movement, and the unique styles that defined each artist.

As council’s chair of arts and culture, I am beyond thrilled to have an exhibition of this calibre coming to the region.

The city is proud to support this event with funding from the Geelong Major Events committee, demonstrating our commitment to attracting world-class arts exhibitions to Greater Geelong.

We recognise the significant value this brings to our visitor economy, boosting local business and reinforcing Geelong’s standing as a vibrant creative hub.

While the gallery doors haven’t opened for this exhibit yet, you can plan ahead and purchase tickets now.

Discovering the Impressionists will run from 20 June–11 October. For more information, visit geelonggallery.org.au

I look forward to viewing this collection with my own eyes and seeing you there!

While I eagerly await this exhibition, I have had the privilege of attending a number of local arts and culture events that celebrate the talented creatives who call Geelong home.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the genU artX Regional 2026 exhibition at Rachinger Gallery.

This brilliant event showcased more than 130 works across a range of mediums by artists living with disability or who have a history of mental illness. It’s a true celebration of creativity, diversity and inclusion.

The exhibition provides a valuable platform for artists to exhibit their work to a wider audience, presenting opportunities to sell their pieces, win prizes and gain professional development.

I implore you to go and visit this fantastic exhibition, on display now until Friday 22 May at 285A McKillop Street, East Geelong.

These two events, while offering different perspectives, highlight two key pillars of arts and culture: the celebration of historical mastery and inclusive community storytelling.

It’s vital that regardless of what masterpiece we’re hanging on our galleries’ walls, that art is accessible for all.

Whether we are bringing the masterpieces of Paris to our doorstep or providing a platform for local artists with lived experience of disability, art remains a shared language for everyone.

As always, I am happy to speak with anyone on council-related matters; please contact me on 0455 532 006 or at [email protected]

Cr Eddy Kontelj

Deputy mayor,

City of Greater Geelong