Bendigo Art Gallery’s Frida Exhibition attracted over 100,000 domestic and international visitors

Bendigo Art Gallery’s exclusive ‘Frida Kahlo: In her own image’ attracted 105,135 domestic and international visitors. The exhibition was secured by the Victorian Government and developed by Bendigo Art Gallery in partnership with Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico and presented exclusively in Bendigo.

This was the first time the exhibition had been shown in Australia with Victorian Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Gayle Tierney noting “Bendigo has once again proven it can draw big names and deliver a major economic return for the region. This exhibition brought visitors from all over the world – boosting business and putting the spotlight on regional Victoria.”

The exhibition explored the connection between Kahlo’s personal style, her revolutionary artwork, and the striking images that made her one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century and offered visitors the opportunity to experience artworks, photographs and personal belongings.

More than 90% of visitors came from outside Bendigo, with local hotels, restaurants and tourism operators reporting increased bookings and activity throughout the season – delivering a major local economic boost and reinforcing Victoria’s place as Australia’s cultural powerhouse.

Bendigo Art Gallery has built a reputation as one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions, with past blockbusters including Elvis: Direct from Graceland, Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits and Grace Kelly: Style Icon.

Since 2012, these exhibitions have brought more than 688,000 visitors to the region and generated more than $108 million in economic impact for Greater Bendigo.

The gallery’s growing national and international profile is set to expand even further, thanks to a $45 million major redevelopment backed by the Government, the City of Greater Bendigo, the Gallery Board and philanthropic supporters.

Visit Victoria Chief Executive  Brendan McClements added “this exhibition was a great example of how world-class events can drive real outcomes for Victoria and showcase what makes our state ‘Every bit different’.”