Free art buses have been chartered from Ballarat to take interested art lovers to Ararat Gallery TAMA in celebrating its 50th birthday on November 10.
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Established in 1968, Ararat Gallery TAMA has a distinctive place amongst Australia’s public galleries through its longstanding commitment to supporting and promoting textile and fibre art, a curatorial and collection focus that began in the 1970s, says acting curator Kat Pengelly.
Ararat’s decision to align itself with the fibre art movement at this time was a result of Federal and State Government support that provided a funding boost and a validation of craft. However, it’s the region’s historical association with fine merino wool production that ultimately secured the gallery’s specialisation.
The half-century milestone of the Ararat Gallery provides a moment to reflect on the importance of the TAMA collection. It is a repository tracking development of textile and fibre-based practice from the 1970s to today, making the TAMA collection one of the most significant of its kind in Australia.
Traditional quilts, tapestries, baskets and embroideries intersect with a visual arts practice that challenges the demarcation of art and craft blending artistic disciplines and blurring the hierarchy of materials. Textile-based art is field of endeavour transcending traditional craft media, increasingly merging with painting, sculpture, performance and multi-media in unexpected ways.
Ararat Gallery TAMA is now located in the former Town Hall. Spanning over a year and a half in build time, the gallery has new, expanded exhibition spaces for its permanent collection and a dedicated contemporary textile space.
Ballarat artist Kat Pengelly has recently been appointed as acting curator of Ararat Gallery TAMA. Celebrations include the opening of two exhibitions, Fifty and Testament from the permanent collection; special guest speakers, music, fine fare and regional wines. There are free limited seats available, and the trip includes a complimentary champagne.