Aireys art hub seeks more space

AN AIREYS Inlet art gallery is planning an expansion that would modernize its displays and allow it to showcase more local artworks.

Great Ocean Road gallery Eagles Nest is proposing a small extension to its existing building in plans that are now before the Surf Coast Shire.

Planners say that the expansion would revamp how the gallery displays and keeps its large artworks that more pieces could be on show for visitors from local creators.

“The proponents seek to construct alterations and additions to the south and west side of the existing building to create additional storage space for the established Eagles Nest Gallery,” planning documents stated.

“The additional storage space will be used to install a sliding rack that will allow large artworks to be more easily displayed for inspection, before being returned to storage.

“This approach allows a significantly higher number of art pieces to be displayed at the gallery than if they were hung on the walls in the traditional manner.”

The extension would include an increase in floor space by about 50 square metres while retaining existing height and uses, with planners arguing the change would have limited impact on its surrounds.

Eagles Nest features about 50 artists from across the Surf Coast, Otways and Geelong region for a range of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, furniture and jewellery.