City of Newcastle have been pumping out a stack of these artist's impressions of upgrades they're doing around the city and today we get a look at what the Newcastle Art Gallery will look like when its renovations are finished.
An animated flythrough of the Gallery's new interior, , which you can check out below, shows a grand new entry, light-filled rooms, and a variety of exhibition spaces.
During the video, you'll also see digital representations of artworks from the Gallery's extensive collection have been used to illustrate the new spaces. Among these is the celebrated piece, The sea sun of 5 bells by Newcastle's own John Olsen, which will once again be proudly displayed on the ceiling of a soaring double-height void.
The Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair, Suzie Galwey, recently presented a cheque for $4.55 million to Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, marking a significant milestone in the expansion project.
"It is the largest payment by the Foundation to date and brings our total contribution to 50 percent of our $13 million funding target, in line with the construction milestone," Ms Galwey said.
"This cheque represents many years of philanthropic giving, community passion, advocacy and fundraising for a world-class gallery for Newcastle and the Hunter.
"It’s wonderful to celebrate this milestone payment as we get our first look at what we can expect inside this flagship cultural asset.
"The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe these images will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal."
Works on the site have seen the ground floor slabs completed with construction of ground floor and basement columns now underway, along with the installation of shear walls that will provide essential structural support for the new building. Work for the two new passenger lifts and goods hoist are also taking shape.
The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project is buoyed by significant financial support, including $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships, $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, and $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, funded through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising efforts. An additional $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation's public fundraising campaign. The Regional Recovery Partnerships initiative aims to enhance regional development by fostering collaboration across all levels of government, sharing technical expertise, and improving information flow.
SEE MORE: newcastlelive.com.au/