Melbourne’s Lord Mayor drops by Art Gallery

LORD Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp made an unofficial visit to the Art Gallery of Ballarat last weekend.

Ms Capp said her interest was piqued to view the Becoming Modern, Australian Women Artists 1920-1950 exhibition at the Gallery as it celebrates the tenacity and innovation of women.

“In fact, Vida Goldstein is the reason I wanted to see the exhibition while I am in Ballarat”, Ms Capp said.

She explained that Vida Goldstein was an Australian suffragette, social reformer and feminist whom Ms Capp quoted in her International Women’s Day speech in March.

“I realised that I was often quoting blokes in my speeches and I thought it was about time I talked about women,” she said. “I had no idea who this amazing woman was until I did some research, she was instrumental in gaining women the right to vote and stand for Parliament.

“Because of my desire to continue conversations and laud Australian women’s achievements I thought it was appropriate to drop in and see this amazing collection while I’m here.”

She was impressed when Louise Tegart, Art Gallery of Ballarat Director, said 98 per cent of the artwork on show was from the Gallery’s own collection.

“This exhibition is the first time they have all been displayed together showing the ways in which women artists were making their mark on the arts scene in the early 20th century,” Ms Tegart said.

Ms Capp had just left a catch-up meeting with Ballarat’s Julie O’Donohue, Chief Executive and founder of Next Address.

The women met when both attended the NEXUS Jiangsu-Victoria Start Up Summit in Nanjing in May.

Ms O’Donohue travelled with Cr Jim Rinaldi under the auspice of the Ballarat StartUp Business program.

In another example of keeping conversations pen with women Ms Capp had discussed with Ms O’Donohue how she could assist, support growth and create opportunities for start-ups.