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Whyalla home for newest art gallery

11 May 2009

Whyalla, one of the largest regional centres in the State, will house South Australia's newest art gallery.

It was announced in June 2008 that the South Australian Government would contribute $400,000 to the City of Whyalla towards the building of a new art gallery.

The ideal place for the gallery has now been found within the TAFE SA Regional's Whyalla Campus.

The Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts, John Hill, says: "Whyalla has a strong connection to the arts through the biennial City of Whyalla Art Prize, which has grown since 1972 to become a significant award for contemporary Australian artists. 

"Partly because of the prize, Whyalla's built up an impressive collection of notable artworks. This new gallery will enhance its reputation as a thriving regional arts and cultural community

The new gallery will be a prominent cultural asset for the city, alongside the existing Middlebank Theatre and Whyalla Cinema.

Lyn Breuer, Member for Giles, says: "Whyalla's always been proud of its industrial history, but this new gallery reflects the city's development as a place to live, study and engage with arts and culture. 

"I'm delighted that we now have a home base for the city's considerable art collection- and the location in the TAFE complex by the Middleback Theatre is just perfect.

"It's also going to provide a much-needed home for the prestigious Whyalla Art Prize."

Employment, Further Education and Training Minister, Michael O'Brien says: 'the gallery is destined to become an important new arts venue for the Whyalla community.'

'The space is being made available to the City of Whyalla at no cost by the Department of Education, Employment, Science and Technology (DFEEST), and the development is particularly pleasing to me, as an old scholar from Whyalla High School," Mr O'Brien says.

The council will be responsible for the capital redevelopment, outgoing maintenance and operational costs of running the gallery.