After the bushfires in the Blue Mountains postponed the recent Regional & Public Galleries NSW conference, we look forward to now welcoming you back to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre on the 20/21^st February.

‘Our Galleries, Our Spaces’  will be a great opportunity for people in the sector to come together and see one of the state’s newest institutions. Since opening in mid-November 2012,  The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre has attracted over 115,000 visitors. With its sweeping views of the 3 Sisters, it will be a perfect space for us to gather.

In setting out the conference we’ve taken a practical approach along themes of Innovations in branding and fundraising; Distinctive Programming; effective and innovative community based projects, and Shops and Gallery Societies.

Andrew Frost, known to many as a critic to cut through art world hype and spin, will be giving a key note lecture at the conference dinner – held in Katoomba’s definitive venue, The Carrington Hotel. Other speakers include Jo Holder, Director of The Cross Arts Projects, ; Deborah Ely, CEO, Bundanon Trust; Matthew Benetti, Marketing & Partnerships Manager, Pozible and Stephen Quinn, President of the Museum Shops Association of Australia. Replacing Kiersten Paisley from Shepparton Art Museum will be Dr Jody Evans, Associate Professor, Melbourne Business School, The University of Melbourne in her dissection of how galleries can have impact in their communities through clear thinking about their branding and point of difference.

We have also added 1 extra session, Engaging people and place, in which Paul Gazzola and Adam Hill will discuss how best to work with our communities, what to look out for, who is aimed at, and these projects often allows us to push the boundaries.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Brett Adlington, Director Lismore Regional Gallery and Chair Regional & Public Galleries NSW