Lismore Regional Gallery will re-open to residents and visitors on Friday after the completion of a multi-faceted restoration project jointly funded by the federal and NSW governments.
The restoration project received more than $5.1 million in funding following extensive flood damage to the building and its contents from the 2022 natural disaster, including artwork on exhibition, the permanent collection and all gallery contents.
The 16-month project was made possible through the Create NSW Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Packages – the Arts and Cultural Assets Program; the Priority Needs Program and the Community Assets Program – all funded under the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
All five gallery spaces have been restored and the Quad which connects the Gallery to the Lismore Library and Northern Rivers Conservatorium has seen upgrades to the landscaping, soil drainage, pathways and seating for the community, with more work to come.
Recovery
Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery Tony Sheldon said, ‘The Albanese Government is dedicated to supporting Lismore and the Northern Rivers as they continue their long recovery from the devastating 2022 floods. It’s been a tough journey, but we’re committed to being there every step of the way.
‘Along with repairs, the Gallery is now equipped to withstand any high-risk weather it may face in the future,’ he said.
‘The Gallery is an important part of Lismore, and this milestone is a significant achievement. It’s fantastic to see how our funding has helped restore and revitalise this cultural hub for the local community.’
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said, ‘The reopening of the Lismore Regional Gallery marks a milestone in the city’s social and cultural recovery. The community can next look forward to repairs on the Lismore Regional Gallery Quad Area, including the addition of soft-fall surfaces and improved drainage.
‘These important works will make the space more resilient to significant weather events and ensure it remains functional as a community and arts venue,’ she said.
‘By future-proofing community assets the Australian and NSW Governments are helping reduce the level of hardship experienced during and after a disaster event, as well as reducing future recovery costs.’
NSW Minister for the Arts, John Graham said, ‘The restoration of the Lismore Regional Gallery is a testament to the extraordinary resilience of the community and the vital role that the arts play in the community’s recovery.
‘While the 2022 floods were devastating, and the gallery and collection sustained extensive damage, the community’s passion for the arts was undiminished,’ he said.
‘Through Create NSW’s Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Packages the gallery was able to continue its pop-up location and will be able to continue its fantastic activations. It’s wonderful to see the work to restore this landmark cultural space completed and reopened with an inspiring and uplifting artistic program.’
Vibe coming back
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said, ‘Another iconic cultural centre, the Lismore Regional Gallery, opens its doors, following on from the Uniting Church that is a social service and worship hub last Sunday, the Lismore Workers Club on Monday and now our much-loved and missed Gallery.
‘The Gallery reopening marks our social and cultural recovery. We have been the poorer with the Gallery not open as it averaged 150,000 visitors a year before the 2022 floods.
I want to thank Gallery Director Ashleigh Ralph and her team, Lismore City Council, the Friends of the Gallery for all the blood, sweat and tears they have contributed to ensure it is back with us,’ said Ms Saffin.
‘Lismore’s CBD is on the move; it’s getting its vibe back and this just adds to it. I cannot wait.’
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