All eyes will be on Art galleries and museums across Australia this year after the city secured the rights to host a major conference.
The Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMAGA) will hold its annual conference in Ballarat for the first time in September.
The conference, held by Australia's peak body for the museums and galleries sector, is expected to be attended by up to 700 people.
The event is expected to contribute more than $1.15 million to Ballarat's economy, with local accommodation and hospitality businesses benefiting significantly.
AMaGA received a $20,000 grant through the City of Ballarat Tourism Events Grants Program to assist with the event.
Most recently, the event was held in Newcastle in 2023 and Perth in 2022.
Final locations for the conference have not yet been determined, but are expected to include the Civic Hall, Goods Shed, Mining Exchange, Ballarat Art Gallery and Ballarat Mechanical Institute.
Anthony Kamm, Director of the Eureka Center, chairs the conference programming committee, which is responsible for developing content related to this year's theme of “Uncommon Ground.”
Mayor of Ballarat, Mr Des Hudson, said securing the event was further evidence of Ballarat's position as a leading cultural destination in regional Australia.
“We are delighted to be able to host such a fantastic event and look forward to welcoming people from all over Australia to our great city,” he said.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Ballarat's cultural sector in Ballarat. This conference will highlight our city's many fantastic museums and art galleries, including the Ballarat Art Gallery, Eureka Center and of course Sovereign Hill, as well as our creative community, unique heritage and dynamic street life.”
“Our ability to secure a major business event like this demonstrates that we are a true events destination, and reinforces Ballarat’s reputation as a hive of cultural activity.”
AMaGA National Director Katie Russell said Ballarat would be a great city to host the conference.
“We are very pleased that Ballarat is the location of our 2024 national conference and awards ceremony,” she said.
“The regional venue allows conference delegates from all over Australia to immerse themselves in rich stories of place – as well as experience Ballarat's unique cultural offerings and heritage sites. We can't wait to meet you in September.”
The conference will take place September 17-20, 2024. To learn more, visit the AMaGA 2024 website.
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