After Hours: Growing the Benalla economy through the Arts
The Benalla Business Network, Benalla Rural City Council and the Benalla Art Gallery Foundation sponsored an information session at the Benalla Art Gallery Pop-Up on June 9 to explore Shepparton's journey in developing the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM). More than 70 people attended the event.
The panel featured Eric Nash (Director, Benalla Art Gallery), Danny Lacy (Artistic Director, SAM) and Lindy Nieuwenhuizen (CEO, Committee for Greater Shepparton), and was facilitated by Penny Whitehead (Business Development Manager, Benalla Art Gallery Foundation).
The session explored Shepparton's journey to develop the gallery and the economic, cultural and community impacts it has delivered. It also highlighted the initial reluctance of businesses and the wider community to recognise the value of the gallery, and how that sentiment has since shifted as its broad cultural and economic benefits have become evident.