Artists and visitors can enjoy an enhanced exhibition experience in a contemporary space following upgrades to the Port MacDonnell Community Complex Gallery.

The Grant District Council invested $70,000 towards the facility renovations resulting in increased display capacity for artists to showcase collections.

The gallery’s acoustics and exhibition lighting were also improved to allow a greater range of works to be shown.

Mayor Kylie Boston said she was excited to see the gallery re-open to the community.

“Our gallery now has greater opportunities to attract a variety of artists and exhibitions to the district,” she said.

“Council looks forward to seeing those in the creative sector utilise the modernised space while introducing more people to our regional art collections and promoting increased community participation in the arts.”

The gallery is located within the Port MacDonnell Community Complex which also offers Library, Visitor Information and Government services to the local community and visitors.

Growth and Tourism Manager Rebecca Perkin said the gallery enhancements will be positive for the complex during the holiday period.

“In the 2022-2023 Summer holidays almost 2000 visitors came through the Port MacDonnell Community Complex from December to January,” she said.

“Of those 2000 visitors to the complex, more than a third attended the exhibitions within the gallery.

“The complex is delighted to re-open the gallery in time for the upcoming holiday season, providing an added incentive for tourists to travel to our district.

“We invite visitors and local community members to explore the new space and view Yunita Manfin’s collection Seashores and Shadows – which is the first exhibition installed in the newly renovated gallery.”

The Port MacDonnell Community Complex’s regular opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

The complex will open with adjusted hours between December 25 and January 1.

Bookings for public exhibitions within the gallery are welcome all year round and interested artists are encouraged to contact the Port MacDonnell Community Complex on (08) 8738 3000 to secure the gallery space.