Rachel Piercy shares the journey of Manning Regional Art Gallery and its immeasurable value to the community.
The Manning Regional Art Gallery presents a diverse and outstanding exhibition program throughout the year, showcasing emerging and established artists, group and solo shows plus high profile touring shows. Gallery Director Rachel Piercy shares its journey from humble beginnings to regional powerhouse for the arts.
Guudji yiigu, yii Biripi barray, yii Gathang-guba barray
These are the words of the Biripi people from the Gathang speaking nation, the language spoken throughout the lower mid north coast by the Worimi, Biripi and Gurrigay people. The Manning Regional Art Gallery acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land we live, work and gather on, the Biripi people, and we pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
For us, it’s about connecting people through art in as many ways as possible.
The Manning Regional Art Gallery in downtown Taree is a vibrant cultural hub, fostering the production, understanding and appreciation of the arts and facilitating community engagement in the Manning Valley region for over 30 years.
Many hands contribute to making the Manning Regional Art Gallery a vibrant cultural hub. It’s the result of a community-wide process that involves hundreds of local residents, artists, makers, curators, educators and organisers, cooperating to create diverse and outstanding exhibitions, events and public programs. We are guided by first nation principles with connection to, and the support of, our local aboriginal community; the Biripi and Worimi people of the Gattang speaking nation.
Art which is reflective of the community
After humble beginnings as a two room exhibition space in the foyer of the Manning Entertainment Centre, the Manning Regional Art Gallery flourished and outgrew its surrounds, with a push from the community for a true regional gallery. In 1998, with state and local government funding, a private bequest from Alfred Evans and the continuing support of the Friends of the Gallery, the gallery relocated to the renovated federation style house that it now calls home. The gallery has undergone various upgrades and improvements over the years, with features designed to complement the art lovers’ experience and to ensure that the space is easily accessible to all.
The Regional Galleries of Australia are almost unique in the world, and demonstrate the great love Australians have for the visual arts. Artists tend to thrive in the areas where there is a regional gallery. There’s also an argument that where a regional gallery is established, there will soon be new restaurants with fine food, coffee and regional specialty produce on offer from local suppliers.
The Manning Regional Art Gallery is steered by three energetic and professional staff (myself, Jane Hosking and Ali Haigh) who mentor the many creatives who contribute to its success and enviable reputation. We foster teaching and learning, offering workshops and professional development opportunities to emerging and established artists. An essential part of our vision is to present work to our audience which is reflective of our community. The presenting artists explore diverse themes including aboriginal cultural stories of the area, reflections of the local landscapes and personal and artistic journeys.
We’re particularly interested in engaging young people and providing interactive programs for kids.
We’re particularly interested in engaging young people and providing interactive programs for kids so that they learn from a young age how integral art is to a fulfilling life. With this in mind, we plan our annual programs to provide innovative, meaningful and stimulating contemporary visual arts across a range of disciplines including multimedia, artist collaborations and installations.
Spaces for art and artists
The Manning Regional Art Gallery comprises a generous exhibition area, with adjoining studio workshop, outdoor art space and a spacious open air deck for events and openings. We love the chance to catch up with our supporters and patrons, and events like exhibition openings give the public a chance to rub shoulders with the presenting artists, network with other creatives and engage with the art. Many artists present floor talks, conducting walking tours through their exhibitions.
For us, it’s about connecting people through art in as many ways as possible.
If you’re in the mood for retail therapy or are looking for a unique souvenir of your visit, the Gallery Shop showcases a beautiful range of jewellery, gifts and homewares as well as selected handmade local arts and crafts.
With our collection of over 330 works gathered over 60 years, and an annual program of over 20 new exhibitions a year, you’ll always find something that moves you, in both our exhibitions of emerging artists, and the high profile touring shows.
The Manning Regional Art Gallery is a welcoming place for people to congregate, enjoy a shared experience of visual art and be inspired by what they see. If you’re after an insight into what makes the cultural life of the Barrington Coast community so rich, a visit to the gallery is a must!
