RACV Art Collection comes to Benalla

For the first time, RACV is loaning artworks to a regional gallery with Benalla Art Gallery the first recipient.

The loan comes as RACV and MPavilion - Australia’s leading architecture commission and cultural laboratory, partner to support regional communities through art to encourage conversation and help social issues impacting Victorians.

RACV will loan 20 works to Benalla Art Gallery as part of the Re-gathering exhibition, which runs from 18 December – 20 June 2021, and features a variety of works co-curated from the Benalla Art Gallery and RACV Art Collection.

Re-gathering has been informed by the Benalla community through their shared experiences of COVID-19 during 2020. The exhibition will provide a lens through which the local community can explore its individual and collective experiences of the past year, including the impacts of COVID-19.

General Manager Social Impact and Communication Louise Steinfort said, “We value the opportunity to loan works from the RACV collection to support and enrich civic engagement.

RACV is committed to supporting regional Victoria and we are pleased to partner with both MPavilion and Benalla Gallery to bring this exhibition together in a meaningful way for the community.”

“Art has a wonderful way of bringing people together and drawing out experiences through conversation that help foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing,” Ms Steinfort said.

RACV is proud to work with Benalla Art Gallery and MPavilion on the first of many future regional art programs that will help to grow the profile of Australian artists within Victoria and nationally through showcases, exhibitions and programs.

Director Benalla Art Gallery Eric Nash said “This is a momentous project for us at Benalla Art Gallery - a last opportunity to regather our community, to hear from them directly, and to provide a space for healing and reflection after the unprecedented challenges of 2020.

"It's especially pleasing that we've been able to work with our friends at RACV to develop the exhibition, bringing together key works from both Benalla's and RACV's nationally significant collections, and similarly to be working with the team at MPavilion in developing and presenting a host of programs for 2021,” Mr Nash said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation Sam Redston said, “MPavilion is excited to be embarking upon a series of projects in regional Victoria in partnership with RACV and the Benalla Art Gallery; a multi-faceted program of free events that seek to create new conversations, catalytic encounters and fun, creative activities.”

Proudly supported by RACV and MPavilion, Re-gathering is open to the public from Friday, 18th December 2020 at Benalla Art Gallery. Visit www.benallaartgallery.com.au for further details.