Castlemaine Art Museum secures $6 million investment from Victorian Government

Castlemaine Art Museum, an Australian art gallery and museum in Castlemaine, Victoria in the Shire of Mount Alexander was founded in 1913 and is housed in a 1931 Art Deco building constructed for the purpose.

The State Government funding will contribute toward critical works for Stage 1 development of the Castlemaine Art Museum's master plan, developed by John Wardle Architects.

Naomi Cass, CAM Director noted “providing universal access, along with our ongoing work with the First Nation's community is CAM's top priority. This grant will enable the accessibility our community deserves and will greatly improve the visitor experience of our magnificent galleries.”

Vital to the future of CAM, this will enable the first stage of construction and will include planning towards Stage 2 of the master plan.

Stage 1 works include:

• Provision of universal access at the entrance

• Restoration and repair of some heritage features

• Rectifying compliance issues and urgent interior improvements

This commitment from the Victorian Government recognises CAM’s long-term vision and the museum’s significant role in boosting local visitation, contributing economic impact to the region, and driving dynamic artistic programs.

On behalf of the local community, CAM Board and members, Craig Mutton, CAM Chair, thanked the Minister Danny Pearson MP, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Creative Industries, and MLA for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards MP, for their engagement and support for CAM.

Mutton advised “this funding is the result of many years of work by the staff, volunteers, and Board to revitalise CAM for the benefit of the people of Castlemaine, and Central Victoria. I am incredibly proud and honoured to lead this great museum.

“Stage 1 funding will commence achieving a transformed, inviting, accessible CAM that honours the building’s heritage and embodies CAM’s artistic vision and generous inclusion of the community.”

Image courtesy Mount Alexander Shire Facebook