Australian National Surf Museum master plan revealed

THE vision for the future of the Australian National Surf Museum (ANSM) has been revealed and given the green light by the Surf Coast Shire.

The ANSM Master Plan provides a strategic framework for the redevelopment of the museum and its sustainable operations over the next 20 to 30 years as a major part of the growth of the shire’s arts, culture and tourism sector.

The long-term vision sees the ANSM eventually occupy a new, expanded space – located inside the shire’s proposed Surf Coast Cultural Centre – allowing it to grow and develop offerings in permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The master plan contains concept designs and floor plans of the improved ANSM as well as the entire Surf Coast Culture Centre, as well as reference images.

 

Broadly split into five sections and spread over two floors, the new museum would display its collection corresponding to each of the museum’s five themes: People and Place, The History of Surfing, Surf Science, The Sport, and Australia’s Unique Surfing Culture.

This new space will enhance the opportunities for a wider audience to share and get access to the ANSM collection, and the Master Plan outlines a path for the display, storage and growth of the collection in line with contemporary museums practice.

According to the masterplan, the ANSM’s vision is to be “the centre of Australian surfing heritage and to share this unique legacy through a world class museum and collection”.

“We see the museum as a place of culture and learning that connects with the community, engaging with new audiences and reconnecting with existing ones.

“The museum is an essential part of the cultural and economic growth and value of the Surf Coast and we aim to grow as a leading tourist destination in regional Victoria.”

Originally established by Surfing Australia, the ownership and management of the ANSM was transferred to the shire in 1994.

Since then, the ANSM has grown its collection and its presence in the Surf Coast as an important tourist attraction with a nationally significant collection.

 

Councillors endorsed the Master Plan at their meeting last week.

“This is an exciting step as we move towards creation of a new cultural precinct in Torquay with the Museum at its heart – engaging, educating and entertaining visitors from across our region, country and the world,” Cr Mike Bodsworth said.

“Our vision sees the museum occupying a new, larger space in the Surf Coast Cultural Centre, enabling better displays of its permanent and temporary exhibitions and focusing on new and accessible ways to connect. Importantly, the Master Plan also applies to the museum in its current form.

“Our unrivalled collection of more than 12,000 items, including housing of the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame, reflects on such rich touchpoints and stories of identity, place and belonging in relation to Australian surfing and associated culture.

“Independent assessment by Circa Museum Services in 2021 identified its collection as being of both national and international significance.”