Renovations begin at Hoop Gallery

WORK has begun to renovate Torquay’s only non-for-profit art gallery, Hoop Gallery, as part of a $1.4 million upgrade to the arts precinct at the multi arts centre on Beach Road, Torquay.

Hoop Gallery president, Virginia Aldred said the project, being carried out by the Surf Coast Shire, aimed to enhance the gallery and theatre facilities, enriching cultural experiences for the community, and was scheduled for completion in June of this year.

“This transformative journey reflects the council’s commitment to fostering creativity and excellence within our vibrant community.

“While renovations have temporarily closed our physical space, our commitment to empowering our visual creative talent remains unstoppable.

“To continue to invest in our creative culture, Hoop Gallery has launched the innovative ‘Hoop Gallery Without Walls’ program, supported by a Community Initiatives Grant from the Surf Coast Shire council where our vision ‘We are more than a gallery – we are a creative destination for innovation and inspiration’, is coming to life.”

The ‘Hoop Gallery Without Walls’ program includes:

* Pop-up exhibitions such as the members’ showcase at The Sands, Torquay (February 7).

* Artist conversations along the Great Ocean Road, including at the Geelong Art Gallery (March 1), the Australian National Surfing Museum, Lorne Community Connect, and Anglesea Art Space.

* Interactive events such the Life Drawing Marathon (February 1), Urban Drawing and Artist Shared Practice Masterclasses.

* A collaboration with Geelong Gallery offering an exclusive, curated talk on Janenne Eaton’s retrospective, including a bus trip and lunch from the Surf Coast in June 2025.

“We’re incredibly proud of our talented and dedicated volunteer committee, whose ‘can-do’ attitude ensures our events amplify the Surf Coast arts and brings creativity to the community in fresh and exhilarating ways,” Ms Aldred said.

“We embrace and celebrate the Surf Coast Shire council’s impactful contribution and commitment to upgrading our arts precinct.

“We look forward to a transformative and inspiring gallery and theatre facility and eagerly anticipate welcoming the community back in June 2025.”

Managed by Surf Coast Art Space Inc., Hoop Gallery continues to provide a vibrant platform for members and artists to showcase their finest creations to local and visiting audiences.

The Torquay Theatre Troupe, which performs in the neighbouring Shoe String Theatre, is providing updates on its activities at ttt.org.au