The Margaret Olley Arts Centre

Lismore City Council resolved in December 2006 to commit $3 million in its future capital works plan towards the construction of the new Lismore Regional Gallery in Keen Street, Lismore. The new facility will become The Margaret Olley Arts Centre.

The new facility is designed to present international art, show major exhibitions of contemporary art, offer creative opportunities for young people in Lismore, provide access to the stories of Lismore and be the front door to the arts of our region. It will provide an outlet for creative expression by local artists and communities, and attract tourists to our region, which, in turn, will drive cultural tourism in the Northern Rivers.

The estimated economic value of the creative industry sector in the Northern Rivers is $190.8 million. The new Margaret Olley Arts Centre has great potential to become a factor in raising the business and retail activity in Lismore.

Plans have been developed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer architects, with landscape archtitects Hochhauser Associates provinding landscaping plans. Site partners include Lismore Library and the Northern Rivers Conservatorium of Music. The site will be transformed into the hub of Lismore with the new Margaret Olley Arts Centre, green space, Library, Conservatorium and car park.

Fundraising for the project began in July 2006 when Margaret Olley hosted a fundraising lunch during her exhibition at the Gallery. $25,000 was raised that day and the Galley continues to raise funds for this important community facility. Negotiations have begun with the State and Federal Governments to secure a funding commitment and construction will begin once the remaining funds have been realised.

The Gallery’s Patron, Margaret Olley AC, was born in Lismore and is committed to seeing a new purpose built Gallery in Lismore. Margaret Olley will be acknowledged as part of the new facility with ongoing exhibitions and a display celebrating her life.

The Margaret Olley Arts Centre supports the Lismore, Byron Bay, Bangalow, Nimbin, Ballina, Lennox Head, Casino and Kyogle communities and will become the link between the CBD, Oakes Oval sporting facilities and Lismore Shopping Square.


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Read the Cultural Plan for Lismore