Framing the future of the Art Gallery of Ballarat

The Art Gallery of Ballarat, which is closed for interior upgrades in 2025, is inviting the community to have their say on the Gallery’s facilities and future.

Consultation is now open on the Art Gallery of Ballarat Masterplan project, an integral initial step towards shaping the ambitious future direction of the Gallery.  

The Art Gallery of Ballarat team is seeking feedback from people across the community to help shape the Masterplan, which is expected to be finalised in late 2025.

Consultation opens Wednesday 14 May and closes Sunday 15 June 2025. There will be multiple opportunities for visitors, the wider community and gallery stakeholders to provide their ideas. Public consultation locations include:  

• Sunday 18 May: Ballarat Heritage Festival Vintage Car Show, outside the Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard Street North, 9.30am -2.30pm
• Friday 6 June: Delacombe Town Centre, outside Kmart, 9.30am - 5pm  
• Saturday 7 June: Bridge Mall Market, 9am – 1pm  

To take part in the online consultation, please visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s MySay survey page, located here.  

Community and stakeholder feedback will help the City of Ballarat and the Art Gallery of Ballarat team to create a Gallery to best serve the Ballarat community now and in the future.  

The delivery of the Masterplan by the Art Gallery of Ballarat is made possible thanks to contribution from the Victorian Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund 2024.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said community input was vital to create a long-term plan for the future of the Art Gallery of Ballarat.  

“Whether you live locally or travel to visit Ballarat, we’d love to hear your ideas,” Cr Hargreaves said.  

“Your feedback will help shape the future of one of Ballarat’s most treasured facilities.”

Art Gallery of Ballarat Director Louise Tegart said establishing a long-term vision for the Gallery was essential.

“The Masterplan is important because a united direction supported by the City of Ballarat and Victorian Government will help to develop a holistic long-term vision for the facility that benefits the community and visitors to the region,” she said.

“The Art Gallery of Ballarat is a central component of Ballarat’s cultural and visitor economy. This Masterplan will help us decide what the Gallery should look like, what it should offer, and how it can best serve the Ballarat community; now and in the future.”

In 2023-24 the Art Gallery of Ballarat had 150,607 visitors through its doors and had an estimated economic impact of $46 million.  

The Gallery is currently closed for extensive interior upgrades, including the installation of a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, as well as an upgrade of the building's skylights and wall linings.

Once these works are completed and the Gallery re-opens in early 2026, it is expected the economic impact will be bolstered further.

Ballarat residents and anyone with an interest in the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Masterplan can provide feedback via the MySay page until Sunday 15 June 2025.