Australia’s first dedicated art and environment precinct is set to open in Halls Gap, creating a national centre for environmental art and supporting artists from across Australia, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced construction has begun on Australia’s National Centre for Environmental Art, a state-of-the-art art gallery and botanical precinct on a 16-hectare site near the Grampians (Gariwerd).
The Where Art Meets Nature (WAMA) precinct will be home to a new climate controlled state-of-the-art art gallery, café, retail space and multipurpose room for workshops and events. In celebration of the connection between art, science and nature, the gallery will host artist workshops and educational sessions for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The gallery will host major exhibitions inspired by the natural environment and loan artwork collections from leading galleries in Australia and internationally.
The new precinct will also feature restored native bushlands and landscaped botanic gardens with paths, signage and gathering places to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings, made possible through investment from the Labor Government.
More than 13 jobs will be created during construction while the project will also support local Victorian suppliers.
WAMA will be fully operational and open to the public by early 2025.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
“The Grampians are such an iconic regional location and home to an incredibly rich environment – we’re thrilled to support this project, which will give visitors and locals an unforgettable art and nature experience.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“We’re proud to support the construction of this visionary project, which will showcase the spectacular natural surroundings of the Grampians and entice art lovers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.”
“We’re backing unique cultural experiences like the WAMA project across the state because they attract visitors to the regions and support local businesses and jobs.”
Quote attributable to WAMA Foundation Ltd Chairman Greg Lewin
“This funding will take WAMA from vision to realisation. The facility will be a welcome addition to tourism in the Grampians, broadening the cultural experience for visitors and locals. And importantly, building and operating Australia’s National Centre for Environmental Art will bring significant benefits to the local economy.”