The BAP committee purchased the land in Meninya St back in March 2020 with a view to creating a gallery on site which is Stage 1 of the plan.
Stage 2 is to connect to the 17-hectare arts precinct site between the Meninya St gallery and the Murray River via a raised walkway.
Focus: The demolition well under way. Photo: Lynne Gillard
In March 2022, famed Australian contemporary artist Ash Keating painted the house with vibrant colours in full expectation that it would be demolished.
“This step has been a while coming,” BAP secretary Lynne Gillard said.
In February 2023, NSW Tourism Minister Ben Johnson announced that BAP had been successful in its application for $4.95 million to build an art gallery on the site.
As a result of the October, November, December 2022 floods, the submitted design needed to be revised.
Then: The Painted House formed part of the Bridge Art Project before it was demolished.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Brandrick Architects were awarded the contract to undertake this revision and have now completed the new design.
The BAP committee is very excited about its prospects.
“The committee now has a very big task ahead, not only to see the gallery built, but to find the almost $1.3 million needed as the required 25 per cent co-contribution,” Ms Gillard said.
The BAP Steering Committee is holding a public meeting on Tuesday, May 23, at the Campaspe Library, Echuca to provide members of the public with an opportunity to learn about the project, preview the plans and join them in their quest.
The BAP committee is seeking the support of community members who can share their skills in building a tourist landmark and community arts hub for the twin towns and the region!
Please RSVP to Lynne Gillard, secretary at [email protected] if you would like to attend.
“We especially invite new members of our community to come along join us as we embark on this very large and exciting arts and community project,” she said.