Weaving a wonderful welcome in Bendigo
12/06/2026There’ll be a stunning new welcome for visitors to a redeveloped Bendigo Art Gallery, with a celebration of First Nations culture to grace the building’s façade.
‘Woven’ is a 20-metre-wide artwork that will be embedded into the front of the gallery. Designed by Aunty Marilyne Nicholls, the work celebrates coil-weaving practices associated with First Nations cultures across south-eastern Australia.
This celebration of First Nations culture will continue inside the updated gallery, including through a new Place of Keeping and gallery space for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural materials.
It’s part of a $45 million redevelopment that will also create a second-floor blockbuster exhibition space, innovative learning centre, and theatrette.
The investment will cement the gallery’s place as a regional drawcard, economic driver and world-class cultural facility.
Aunty Marilyne is a multi-clan woman from freshwater and saltwater Country, a senior weaver and cultural knowledge holder. Her artwork ‘Woven’ reflects the relationship between people, generations, plant fibres and Country.
“Part of my weaving practice is spending time quietly connecting with Country, especially the waterways where the weaving grasses grow,” she says.
“I hope this work inspires conversations amongst people about plant fibres, traditional practice, biodiversity and environmental issues.”
Above: An illustrative example of 'Woven', the artwork that will form part of the gallery's new facade.
Release of the new façade design gives people an early taste of what to expect from the gallery when it reopens to the public in 2028.
During the two-year construction phase, around 250 jobs are expected to be created in a boost for the local construction sector.
Once complete, the redeveloped gallery is forecast to add another 170 local jobs and up to $35 million in annual spending for the local economy.
The redevelopment project is being funded by a $21 million investment from the Victorian Government’s Community Support Fund, $9 million from the City of Greater Bendigo, $4 million from the Gallery Board, and $9.35 million in philanthropic support.
Learn more: www.bendigoartgallery.com.au