MAMA philanthropic support close to target

Philanthropic support for the new Murray Art Museum Albury is approaching $1M with the committee responsible for raising capital investment confident of exceeding the $1.05M target.

Arts Albury, a volunteer committee made up of leading business and corporate
professionals, was set up in 2013 to raise philanthropic funds towards the art
gallery redevelopment project. The total raised to date for the 23 July 2015 is
$960,000.

Chair, Maree Cables, a prominent Albury businesswoman and fundraiser says the amount raised to date is testimony to the belief and vision that many in the community hold for MAMA.

"Our belief, as a philanthropic committee, has been that the future growth of Albury as a major regional centre is dependent on strong investment in creative and cultural communities and infrastructure."

"Our key role has been in fostering relationships with individuals and businesses who share this vision and are willing to leave a legacy for future generations."

MAMA had been expected to open in September 2015 but delays with the building project have pushed that back to October.

AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack said, "We're aiming to open MAMA in early October and the exact date will be set as soon as possible. Renovating a 100 year-old building has presented some unexpected challenges that have caused delays and the weather has also not helped."

He said that other issues to contribute to the delay included that the existing building had poor or non-existent footings, there was archaeological material discovered in four separate locations, asbestos and hazardous material was uncovered, the spire had to be repaired and new roofing and flooring installed.

"It's a very high-tech complicated building project but it will be worth the wait." Mack said.

He congratulated Arts Albury on its outstanding success and thanked all members for their tireless efforts, which have included hosting 12 events and spending countless hours networking.

Cr Mack also congratulated the MAMA team which has secured additional grant funding of more than $260,000 towards exhibitions and projects.

"We've also received donations of artwork including more than 45 photographs from Australian legends such as Max Dupain, Bill Henson, Olive Cotton and Pat Brassington, filling gaps within the existing collection." he said.

"This donation plus another sizable gift from a Melbourne art collection of Central Desert paintings is a direct result of the growing profile of MAMA and of Albury as a vibrant creative and cultural centre."

Arts Albury is still keen to hear from anyone who'd like to have an involvement in the new art museum and has also launched the MAMA Supporter campaign to give individuals and families who would like to have their names identified on a glass wall in the new building as a lasting legacy the opportunity to be involved.