About the Gallery

Located on Wiradjuri Country in the Central West of NSW, Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) is a highly celebrated regional public gallery. A cultural facility of the Bathurst Regional Council, BRAG presents a dynamic program comprising contemporary art exhibitions, public and education programs, artist commissions, public art, and the celebrated Hill End Artists in Residence Program.

A combination of beautiful natural landscapes and the dynamic history of villages such as Hill End, Sofala, Carcoar, 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.

Mission

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.

Vision

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.

BRAG Strategic Plan 2021-2024

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. The 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 eventually built on this community support for the visual arts in Bathurst 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 New South Wales. 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. Additionally, BRAG public art projects and touring exhibitions reach broader audiences around the region, state, and country.

Bathurst is located on Wiradjuri Country on the banks of the Macquarie/ Wambuul River in the Central Tablelands Region of New South Wales. It is home to the Wiradjuri people and is the site of Australia's oldest inland European settlement. Bathurst is one of the region's most beautiful cities, offering a diversity of attractions, activities and facilities. For more information on Bathurst click here to access the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre website.

Approximately 200kms west of Sydney, Bathurst is a comfortable two and a half hours drive from Sydney and three and a half hours from the National Capital, Canberra. Located on historic Keppel Street, the Gallery is next to the Bathurst City Library and close to some of the city's best restaurants and cafes. Parking can be accessed from Seymour St. BRAG is wheelchair friendly.

Street address: Wiradjuri Country 70 -78 Keppel St BATHURST NSW 2795