The Lismore Regional Gallery pop-up space is now closed as Lismore City Council prepares to reopen the fully repaired gallery again at 11 Rural Street in the coming months.

The pop-up space was open between January 2023 and May 2024 and featured 16 exhibitions by artists from the region with support from the Australian Government through Creative Australia and the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Since the 2022 disaster without a building, the Gallery engaged over 290 artists, creatives, and arts workers with finite resources and a commitment to working out of temporary and unconventional spaces outdoors and offsite at other galleries.

The Gallery reached over 24,751 visitors and participants through over 215 programs, including engaging exhibitions, up-late events, recovery programs, talk series, outdoor installations, and activities for all generations in a city recovering from a natural disaster.

After an extensive restoration period post-2022 natural disaster, the Lismore Regional Gallery is preparing to open again this spring with the invaluable support of $1.675 million through recovery funding programs from the NSW State and Australian Governments.

Lismore Regional Gallery Director Ashleigh Ralph said the rich history of the Gallery has been preserved in the Lismore Quadrangle (the Quad) with the enhancement of the existing infrastructure, thanks to funding support by the NSW and Australian governments.

“The Gallery has long been a cherished community space and its reopening will not only improve the functionality and appeal of the reception and artist studio, but it will also provide exciting opportunities for artists and designers to showcase their work in the gallery shop,” she said.

“Visitors will also have a new cafe to connect in and enjoy, which will soon be available for lease. The community will have endless possibilities to create, make, and learn across the multi-functional spaces within and throughout the Gallery.”

(Credit: Lismore Regional Gallery)

The restoration projects include a facelift to the Quad, which connects the Gallery to the Lismore Library and Northern Rivers Conservatorium. Upgrades to the landscaping, soil drainage, pathways and seating will make the Quad a safer and more enjoyable place to gather and participate in arts and culture in the heart of Lismore.

The Gallery will re-open with a full exhibition program in the five newly restored gallery spaces, plus events and activities inside and outside the Quad. These dates will be announced soon.

It’s estimated that every dollar spent on the arts in NSW is worth $1.88 to the economy.

The best way to ensure you don’t miss out on the exciting, grand re-opening plans is to subscribe to the Gallery’s email list via the website: lismoregallery.org.