THE HERVEY Bay Regional Art Gallery capped off 2024 by welcoming around 15,000 visitors and showcasing 12 major exhibitions throughout the year.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour praised the gallery for its outstanding efforts in cultivating new local audiences while also attracting interstate and international visitors to this iconic cultural destination.
“Of our visitors, half visited from the Fraser Coast, 22% from other parts of Queensland, 20% from interstate, and about 10% were overseas visitors,” he said.
“The Fraser Coast boasts a rich and dynamic cultural scene, and Council is committed to providing ongoing opportunities for our community to celebrate the arts, heritage, and cultural diversity.
“Throughout 2024, the gallery showcased over 200 artists’ works across 12 major exhibitions.”
“Among the most popular with local audiences was the Hervey Bay Art Society exhibition, Forest to Fibre and an exhibition by Phoebe Paradise, which also included a new mural in the foyer.”
Council Arts spokesperson Cr Michelle Govers said the gallery’s commitment to community engagement saw it host more than ten school visits, welcoming students from prep to grade 12.
“In leadership news, Sarah Thomson was appointed as the gallery’s new director in 2024, bringing a passion for socially engaged projects, cultural diversity, and freedom of expression,” she said.
“Additionally, Joe Breikers joined the team as the new Exhibitions and Collections Coordinator following the departure of former curator Llewellyn Millhouse, who had served in the role since 2022.
“We’re excited about the year ahead as the 2025 program will celebrate diversity by showcasing artists from a wide range of experiences and perspectives.”
“The program offers fresh perspectives on life in the region, showcasing major solo exhibitions by local women artists, the Girra: Fraser Coast National Art Prize, and a focus on Butchulla, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander cultures, including a touring exhibition by Torres Strait Islander printmaker Billy Missi.
“I hope residents and visitors enjoy spending time in the gallery and are inspired, engaged and challenged by our 2025 exhibition programme.”
For more information on our current exhibitions go to www.hbrg.com.au
