Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery to Reopen
Have you missed the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery as much as we have? The good news is the wait is almost over. The gallery re-opens June 12 and curator Chloe Waters has an enticing program of exhibitions up her sleeve.
Back in March, a burst water pipe in the Rigby House building forced the temporary closure of the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. The damage has been repaired and the countdown is on.
“We’re so appreciative of our community and exhibiting artists for their ongoing support, particularly during the last couple of months as we work to relaunch our 2021 program,” says Ms Waters.
Saltwater Freshwater Biennial Exhibition
“We’re thrilled to be able to welcome visitors back to the Gallery from June 12 as we officially relaunch our 20th Anniversary Program with the opening of the 2021 Saltwater Freshwater Aboriginal Art Award and Contemporary Cultural Objects Exhibition.”
It is the third time Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery have partnered with Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance to present the biennial exhibition. It celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture from the Mid North Coast region, spanning the Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr nations.
STILL: National Still Life Award 2021
The Gallery’s signature art prize, STILL: National Still Life Award 2021 will follow and open in August. The $30,000 major prize will be announced on August 14 by guest judge, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, followed by the exhibition of finalists until 23 October.
“This is our third STILL and it’s our biggest and best yet!” says Ms Waters. “We’ve had a record number of entries from around the country and we can’t wait to announce our finalists soon and showcase the diversity of still life come August.”
The White Bluff Project Rescheduled
Closing out the Anniversary Program is The White Bluff Project, rescheduled to be our home-grown summer blockbuster exhibition, from 30 October 21 to January 15 2022.
The local art, science and community collaboration, centres around the significant but often overlooked site of White Bluff, north of Coffs Harbour. Ms Waters says the highly anticipated project has been years in the making and is not to be missed.
“What an absolutely fitting close for our Anniversary year: showcasing a unique, artist led project, born right here in Coffs Harbour that resonates far further abroad.” Discover more about the local collaborators.
Visit Culture Hub
The Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery team also invites culture lovers to visit their pop-up gallery space, Culture Hub, situated on level one in Coffs Central. Currently on show until May 29 is the Sikh Heritage Museum Takeover: Early Settlers to Bridal Glamour. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm.