Project Bulletin #10 - 11 November 2011

Andrew Farrell has commenced in the role of Project Superintendant and is the first point of call for building related matters. He can be reached on (03) 5832 9595.

CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS

• New parquetry flooring has been laid.
• New reception desk and shop fittings have been installed.
• Gallery walls are currently being painted.
• Installation of new LED lighting system is almost complete.

INTERRUPTIONS TO BUSINESS AS USUAL

• There are no further interruptions to business currently planned, however Andrew Farrell will send through notifications if anything arises.
• We extend our thanks to all users of the Eastbank building and Council offices who have been inconvenienced (by the closure to the corridors or on site noise) for your patience during the build so far.

PROJECT TIME-FRAME

• Morretto's building plan is going to schedule and all activities are progressing well. At this stage, the site is expected to be handed back to the SAM team on 23 December 2011. Following the handover Museum staff will install two new temporary exhibitions and hang six new collection galleries in preparation for the reopening on 18 February 2012 as Shepparton Art Museum (SAM).

IN THE MEANTIME, WHAT IS THE ART MUSEUM TEAM UP TO?

• Public programming staff Rhonda Chrisanthou and Angie Russi have been awarded a prestigious three-year funding agreement with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for their professional development work with local school teachers.
• Curatorial staff are researching and developing the reopening exhibitions.
• The art collection is being relocated to the new climate controlled store rooms.
• A six month Arts in Education Residency Project, titled "Little Treasures", is being delivered at Numurkah Primary School for Arts Victoria.
• Applications for the 2012 Sidney Myer Fund Australian Ceramic Art Award have opened and entries are starting to be received.
• Preparing exhibition production for the opening of the 2012 Indigenous Ceramic Art Award and the Sir John Longstaff exhibition Portrait of a Lady.
• Planning for our public launch party on Saturday 18 February, 2012 is underway. Save the date - it is set to be an event to remember.

The SAM Pop up Shop and Information Booth is operating in the Eastbank Foyer Monday to Friday 11.00am to 3.00pm.

For general information on the Building Project and SAM please contact the Museum team on (03) 5832 9861.