The talks will be held In partnership with RACV and MPavilion, and will explore “The Power of Cultural Infrastructure”.
They follow the recent completion of a feasibility study and business case by Urban Enterprise into possible redevelopment of Benalla Art Gallery.
That study assessed the cost benefit, and social and cultural outcomes of redevelopment.
Each presenter in this talk series will explore real-world achievements that resonate with these aspirational outcomes.
The first talk in the series will be presented by Katrina Sedgwick OAM, director and chief executive officer of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), exploring its own recent redevelopment.
Benalla Art Gallery director Eric Nash said it was a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone of Sedgwick’s experience.
“Katrina is an incredible director, and ACMI’s achievements are there for all to see,” Mr Nash said.
“Even before the redevelopment, ACMI was attracting 1.5 million visitors per annum, but more than that, it has consistently created magical and meaningful experiences for viewers.
“I’m excited for our community to hear from Katrina, right here in our own backyard, and to learn from her experiences.”
During the past 20 years, the ACMI has grown from an idea to the world’s most visited museum of screen culture.
ACMI re-opened in 2021 after five years of redevelopment planning and a 20-month long closure.
Ms Sedgwick’s talk will explore how the redevelopment has transformed ACMI architecturally, technologically and programmatically.
Ms Sedgwick said the new museum built upon the 18 years of success since ACMI began.
“(It) leverages the talent and capacity in our organisation and across our networks to offer a truly contemporary museum experience,” Ms Sedgwick said.
Upon re-opening ACMI presented its first Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition since 2018 — Disney: The Magic of Animation.
Ms Sedgwick said attendance figures to the exhibition have rivalled pre-pandemic numbers.
“It’s just the start of things to come,” she said.
The first talk, from Ms Sedgwick, will take place on Saturday, December 11, from 10.30am in the Ledger Gallery.
Numbers are strictly limited. To secure your place, email gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au
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