We all know that a healthy community needs creativity.  Local community galleries are a key leader in providing opportunities for local artists to inspire others.

Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina has reduced the number of exhibitions each year by 50%.  The exhibitions now stay in place for two months, and the gallery is closed over the Christmas break when many visitors and tourists are in town looking for places to visit. 

We would like to return to monthly exhibitions, and open in the Christmas holidays (except for public holidays) for the following reasons:

1. With 12 changeovers a year in 4 galleries, 48 artists had the opportunity to exhibit.  Now this is limited to 24 artists.  It is more difficult for local artists to secure an exhibition as there are half as many opportunities.
2. The reduction in exhibitions is a significant drop in hiring income for the Gallery, as they charge the artists to exhibit.  This may result in more cost to the ratepayers.
3. The reduction in exhibitions means less visitors.  Those who enjoy seeing the exhibitions now go every two months instead of monthly - less enjoyment, less promotion of local artists, less opportunity for the cafe to enjoy off-shoot revenue.
4. We have heard that the reason for the change to 2-monthly exhibitions was so that gallery staff have less work in installing and dismantling exhibitions. Isn’t this their job? If true, it’s a very poor reason for limiting the exposure of local artists.
5. In the Christmas break, many locals have visitors they would like to take to the gallery but it is closed.  Many tourists in town would like to visit the gallery too.  If the Visitors Centre remains open for this period (except for public holidays) surely the Gallery could also remain open.

I am not an artist and have no vested interest other than that I know many artists who would appreciate greater exposure; I enjoy seeing the exhibitions and would like to go more often, and I feel the gallery is an asset that should be available to the public as much as possible.

If you agree, please sign this petition to encourage Ballina Shire Council and the Northern Rivers Community Gallery to change back to monthly exhibitions.