Mayor's Message - Friday 19 May

This week the Art Gallery of Ballarat launched the sensational Pre-Raphaelites: Drawings & Watercolours exhibition, a touring exhibition all the way from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England.  

Ballarat is the exclusive presenter of this internationally renowned exhibition of artworks by the famous Pre-Raphaelite Brother, artworks which are rarely seen, and fragile, dating back to the 1800s. 

The exhibition tells the story of the artists, their lives and loves and the way they were inspired by the freshness and close study of nature. It includes portraits and landscapes. 

The Pre-Raphaelites exhibition is an outstanding international exhibition and testament to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, who are able to present such a high-profile exhibition after three years of pandemic related interruptions.  

Historical images are used to talk about our own contemporary culture, and it is well worth a look. Why not bring along your friends and family and even invite those from outside Ballarat to come along and see all the city has to offer. 

In conjunction with this exhibition, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is also showcasing In the company of Morris which celebrates how the ideas of the Pre-Raphaelites have inspired generations of Australian artists, showcasing artworks right up to the present day as well as historical works. 

One ticket covers entry to both exhibitions. Tickets are available at the door or can be pre-purchased at the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s website. Entry is only $20, with discounts for Concession card holders, Gallery Members and Students. There is also a Family ticket available. 

The exhibitions run from 20 May 2023 until 6 August 2023, and I encourage you all to get along and see the renowned exhibitions. 

Our Art Gallery is open daily from 10am – 5pm, so there is plenty of opportunity to get along and see the fabulous exhibitions they present there.