A Regional Art Gallery in the Southern Highlands will soon become a reality. Wingecarribee Council has committed $500,000 to the proposal and the National Trust has signed off on a 25 year lease at the Retford Park Dairy in East Bowral. Funding is also being sought from the State Government's Regional Cultural Infrastructure Fund.

Consultant Jennifer Bott, who conducted the project’s feasibility study, said one of the main reasons the stars aligned this time around was because of the “passion, perseverance and dedication” of Ben Quilty.

Ben Quilty is one of Australia’s most acclaimed contemporary artists and has been a Highlands resident for more than 12 years. Archibald winning artist, Ben who lives at Robertson, says it's great news for our region, but would like to see the council eventually contribute more money.

A Director and Curator are expected to be employed by the end of the year.

Source: https://www.2st.com.au/news/highlands-news/127556-regional-art-gallery-for-the-southern-highlands