Contact & About

Wiradjuri Country
70–78 Keppel St, Bathurst NSW 2795
Australia

02 6333 6555
brag@bathurst.nsw.gov.au
http://bathurstart.com.au

Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) is one of the oldest regional galleries in NSW. It is a professionally staffed facility owned and operated by Bathurst Regional Council.

A combination of beautiful natural landscapes and the dynamic history of villages such as Hill End, Carcoar, Sofala and Millthorpe have created a unique attraction for visual artists in the Bathurst region since 1815. BRAG has forged strong links with surrounding townships and within the local community to create a vibrant space showcasing the full spectrum of artistic endeavour.

Built in 1989, it was the first purpose built regional gallery in NSW, and provides professional development opportunities for local and regional artists. The Gallery is a creator of quality touring exhibitions, and operates the highly celebrated Hill End Artists in Residence Program. Located on historic Keppel Street, BRAG is a modern, well-equipped and highly celebrated regional gallery.

The BRAG Permanent Collection began in May 1955 when Jean Bellette was awarded the inaugural Carillon City Festival Prize of 100 guineas for her oil painting entitled Still Life. Over 6,000 people viewed the competition. The Festival Arts Committee built on this community support and established an Art Gallery where small exhibitions could be held and where winning works from the Carillon City Festival Prize could be hung. In 1959 an Art Gallery within the Council Chambers was opened, where it continued to thrive until moving into a new purpose built building in 1990. Since then, the gallery has continued to enjoy widespread community support and to develop a reputation as one of the leading regional galleries in NSW. A diverse exhibition program, a focus on community access and a commitment to the provision of innovative educational and public programs underpin the gallery’s operations. BRAG averages a visitation of 30,000 people a year, well above the national average for a regional gallery.

Recently, the gallery has broadened its programs into the city centre through public art and digital programs that reach an additional 50,000+ people per annum.

BRAG is proudly supported by: NSW Government, Bathurst Regional Art Gallery Society, Renzaglia Wines, Bathurst Grange Distillery, Grass Parrot Vineyard, Cosmo Brewing, The Victoria Hotel.

A cultural anchor for the city and region.

Deliver unique and bold cultural experiences underpinned by excellence in programming and lifelong learning.

Building and fostering opportunities for artists and community to have a voice and to express their cultural ideas and aspirations.

BRAG is a respected, resilient, dynamic and accessible facility that celebrates the visual arts which inspires, challenges and connects our community; and plays a leading role in developing Bathurst’s reputation as the city of culture and heritage in regional NSW.