Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos last week announced construction had begun on the Where Art Meets Nature, WAMA, precinct, dedicated to art inspired by the natural environment.
“We’re proud to support the construction of this visionary project, which will showcase the spectacular natural surroundings of the Grampians and entice art lovers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide,” he said.
“We’re backing unique cultural experiences such as the WAMA project across the state because they attract visitors to the regions and support local businesses and jobs.”
The precinct will be home to a new climate controlled state-of-the-art art gallery, café, retail space and multipurpose room for workshops and events.
In celebration of the connection between art, science and nature, the gallery will host artist workshops and educational sessions for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The gallery will host major exhibitions inspired by the natural environment and loan artwork collections from leading galleries in Australia and internationally.
The new precinct will also feature restored native bushlands and landscaped botanic gardens with paths, signs and gathering places to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
WAMA Foundation chairman Greg Lewin said the funding would take WAMA from vision to realisation.
“The facility will be a welcome addition to tourism in the Grampians, broadening the cultural experience for visitors and locals. And importantly, building and operating Australia’s National Centre for Environmental Art will bring significant benefits to the local economy,” he said.
Regional Development Minister Gayle Tierney said the precinct would give visitors and locals an unforgettable art and nature experience.
“The Grampians are such an iconic regional location and home to an incredibly rich environment – we’re thrilled to support this project,” she said.
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