Ararat Gallery TAMA facts for kids
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| Established | 1968 |
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| Location | 82 Vincent St, Ararat VIC 3377 |
| Type | Art gallery |
Ararat Gallery TAMA (which stands for Textile Art Museum Australia) is a public art gallery. You can find it in the city of Ararat, in Victoria, Australia. The gallery is located inside the historic Ararat Town Hall building. This special gallery focuses on art made from textiles and fibres. It is a member of the Public Galleries Association of Victoria.
Contents
The Gallery's Story
How It Started
The idea for the Ararat Gallery began in March 1968. The Mayor of Ararat, Councillor G Marx, called a public meeting. People decided to create an art gallery. The Ararat Shire Council offered space in the Old Municipal Offices. These offices were inside the Ararat Town Hall. The Victorian Government also gave some money to help the gallery start.
Growing and Specializing
In 1971, the gallery got more space. This meant it could show even more art! In 1973, Pamela Gullifer became the gallery's first full-time director. Under her leadership, the gallery started to focus on textile and fibre art. This became its unique specialty.
A Big Renovation
In 1978, the Victorian Government provided a large grant. This money was used to restore the Ararat Town Hall. The building was renamed the Ararat Arts Activity Centre. This project made the gallery bigger. It also created a new performing arts centre. The renovated building opened in April 1979.
Touring Exhibitions
In the 1980s, the gallery organized many touring exhibitions. These shows traveled to other galleries. They often featured small textile artworks. Artists from Australia and other countries sent their work. The gallery bought many of these amazing pieces.
Becoming Part of the Council
In 2005, Ararat Gallery Inc. became part of the Ararat Rural City Council. This meant the council took over running the gallery.
Amazing Art Shows
The gallery loves to show Australia's history of fibre art. Some notable exhibitions have included:
- 'About Time: Australian Studio Tapestry 1975–2005' (which toured to five galleries).
- 'Douglas Fuchs – Floating Forest: 30th anniversary exhibition' (2012).
- 'Kate Just: The Knitted Works' (2013).
- 'Making Time: The Art of John Corbett 1974–2013' (2013).
- 'Slipstitch' (which also toured to five galleries).
A Modern Upgrade
A big project to upgrade the Ararat Arts Precinct finished in 2018. This project cost over $7 million. It was funded by different levels of government and community donations. The gallery's spaces in the Town Hall were improved and expanded. A new entrance and foyer were added. There is now an arts workshop space and a café.
A New Name
In August 2018, the gallery got a new name. It became Ararat Gallery TAMA. TAMA stands for Textile Art Museum Australia.
