Published on 19 February 2026
Last night Shoalhaven City Council formally ratified the Five-year Strategic Plan for Shoalhaven Regional Gallery. The plan outlines the core values for the Gallery which include; "Walawaani, we welcome people into our space and wish them a safe journey; Excellence, we understand a decolonised practice as key to artistic excellence; Courage, we are brave in the work we do and the decisions we take; Creativity, we inspire, nurture and support artistic practice in all its forms; Kindness, we act with compassion, care and empathy; and Originality, we are situated within our space and time and we are fearless within this space". The Strategic Plan sets ambitious goals for local participation, audience engagement, staff development and support for First Nations artists and communities.
Director of the Gallery Zanny Begg explained "I am excited that the Five-Year Plan has been formally ratified by Council. This plan outlines a bold new vision for the Gallery, one which I am confident will help grow and enhance our work." Over the last twelve-months the number of people visiting Shoalhaven Regional Gallery jumped 47.7% highlighting increased visitor engagement with the Gallery and its exhibition and education programs. The Gallery is confident that 2026 will see the continuation of this trend as new audiences embrace the Gallery as a vital part of the community.
Key new initiatives outlined in the Five-Year Plan include the Ngaoara Fellowship to support emerging First Nations artists and Koori Kids a First Nations led program for teenagers. These programs, which focus on support for First Nations artists and communities, will unfold alongside a range of other programs that support all local artists with ambitious and innovate programs. In 2026 the Gallery will receive first multi-year funding from Create NSW, will partner with the Art Gallery of NSW on HOME program and has an exciting range of new exhibitions and public programs to share with audiences. The first opening of the year will be this Saturday 21 February, and the Gallery invites everyone to come see three new exhibitions and celebrate our new vision for arts in the community.
To read a copy of the Five-year Strategic Plan click here: 1046_SRG-Strategic-Plan.pdf(PDF, 4MB)
Bagandha yanggamba-ngga - ‘Country sings in me’ by Nicole Smede, was the winning work for the inaugural Ngaoara Fellowship launched in 2025.