NEWS

Castlemaine Art Museum (CAM) has secured $6,000,000 in funding from the Victorian Government 

On Tuesday 3rd May, Maree Edwards MP, Member for Bendigo West, announced the Castlemaine Art Museum will receive an investment of $6 million from the Andrews Labor Government. This funding will contribute toward critical works for Stage 1 development of the Castlemaine Art Museum's master plan, developed by John Wardle Architects.

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.

Maree Edwards MP said, “As a not-for-profit organisation with many volunteers and supporters across the region, I’m thrilled that CAM have received this funding… The upgrades will ensure the facility will have disability access and improve and protect the structure of the building.”

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. “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,” he said.

George Milford, Trustee of the Castlemaine Art Gallery & Historical Museum, welcomed the news, “This funding is essential to improving safety and security at Castlemaine Art Museum and will importantly enable Trustees and CAM to undertake the planning and design work for Stage 2, ensuring the protection and accessibility of Castlemaine’s communally owned art and social history collections.”

Naomi Cass, CAM Director, said, “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.”

Image: L-R: Darren Fuzzard, CEO, Mount Alexander Shire Council; Naomi Cass, CAM Director; Merryn Tinkler, Manager Economy and Culture, Mount Alexander Shire Council; George Milford, Trustee Castlemaine Art Gallery & Historical Museum Foundation; Maree Edwards MP, MLA for Bendigo West; Amanda Jean, CAM Board Member; and Christine Henderson, Councillor, Mount Alexander Shire Council. Photo: Eve Lamb, Midland Express.