ABOUT

THE GALLERY

Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery holds a proud place in the heart of our rural community, offering a diverse program of arts experiences to all, and acting as custodian to an ever-growing public art collection.

We are proud to offer touring exhibitions, local artist exhibitions, workshops, music events and educational opportunities to locals and visitors, as well as outreach programs to our nearby rural townships.

Set near the Little Murray River and the Pioneer Settlement, our woolshed-inspired building and natural surrounds offer beautiful spaces, both inside and out. 

We look forward to welcoming you.

HISTORY
The gallery has a long-held and proud place as the heart of Swan Hill’s arts community. The gallery was first established in 1966 and located on the paddle steamer Gem, and was managed through the Pioneer Settlement Authority. It became evident that while this location was unique, it was not appropriate for housing the gallery’s growing collection and the many touring exhibitions that were on offer.

In 1982, high levels of community interest in the visual arts led to The Art Associates being formed. This committee led the project to develop a purpose-built gallery, our current home. Generous local patrons worked tirelessly to raise funds and to lobby government to ensure the building was completed.

The Australian woolshed was the inspiration for architect Ian Douglas. Beams and columns hewn from local redgum timber and wall panels of locally handmade mud bricks make up the main structure. The gallery opened in 1987 and in 1990 the building was extended to include the Access Gallery and a new entrance.