Redcliffe Art Gallery Defies COVID With Quirky Opening
Published 10 October 2020
It’s the newest cultural and tourism destination in the Moreton Bay Region, yet the new $5.5 million Redcliffe Art Gallery opened today without any fanfare.
Instead, pre-booked guests will be taken on private guided tours through the latest exhibitions and Mayor Peter Flannery said, surprisingly, it was the perfect start.
“This is a truly historic day for Moreton Bay Region at a truly unusual time in history,” he said.
“There’s been a lot of downsides to social distancing but getting to enjoy an immersive arts experience in a brand new facility without crowds might be the one good thing to come from COVID-19.
“You can still book in for the opening weekend and I’d certainly encourage anyone who’s curious to sign up, because you may never get to enjoy an art gallery without the crowds again.
“The refurbished building itself is to behold, currently showcasing the remarkable work of First Nations artists and a career survey of Deception Bay artist Marc Clark.
“We are proud to recognise the incredible achievements of this humble yet supremely talented man in this exhibition of his lifetime’s work, appropriately titled A Life in Art.
“With a focus on people and place, First examines ideas surrounding sovereignty and connections to place through the stories of artists living in or from Queensland and the Torres Strait.
“It shares the important and continuing contribution that First Nations artists make to Australian art.
“This building is an investment in growing our region’s $1 billion tourism industry by tapping into a new visitor market whilst encouraging longer visitation with more on offer.”
It’s an investment Council’s ramping-up, with $19.3 million allocated this financial year to developing and diversifying local arts, libraries and history.
Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) said the new gallery expands the Peninsula’s tourism offerings.
“This new, sophisticated space will catapult the region’s cultural, arts and tourism offerings to a new level,” he said.
“This state-of-the-art gallery will exhibit high quality local and touring exhibitions.
“Offering a unique perspective on the Redcliffe Peninsula, its impressive foyer is filled with natural light and leads visitors into world-class exhibition spaces.
“There’s also a new customer service area, where we’ll continue to support the community and answer your questions.”
Councillor Sandra Ruck (Div 5) encouraged everyone to check out the new cultural destination.
“The team has worked incredible hard to open this amazing gallery and welcome locals and visitors alike to the Peninsula,” she said.
“Tour bookings for this opening weekend are still being taken, simply jump on our website and pick your preferred time.
“Please encourage your friends and family to come and discover our new gallery, and hopefully convince them to stay for a day at the beach or have brunch at one of our sensational local cafes.
“I can’t wait to see more creative and curious visitors coming from across the country to discover Moreton Bay.”
To book your private tour over the opening weekend 10 - 11 October, visit https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Galleries-Museums/Events/RAG/Opening-Weekend
For more information and general opening hours, visit https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Galleries-Museums/Locations/Redcliffe-Gallery