Lisa Dennis
Castlemaine Art Museum is facing closure in the middle of next year.
It needs a large injection of funding to be able to stay open.
Ahead of its upcoming Annual General Meeting, the CAM Board has indicated that the Lyttleton Street gallery is facing a large structural deficit despite the work that has been achieved as part of ‘CAM Renewal’ since the organisation faced potential closure in August 2017.
While the CAM Board assures the community that the facility is a going concern this year, they have indicated this may not be the case next year unless the organisation can secure a significant injection of funds to boost its operational budget by June 30, 2023.
“The reality is that our annual operational funding from the state government ($110,000) and Mount Alexander Shire Council ($30,580) has not kept pace with the increasing costs to operate and maintain the ageing building and we are facing a $250,000-$300,000 black hole.
“The CAM Board is exploring all possible options to source additional funding and any other viable option to keep CAM’s doors open. But at this stage the reality is we are facing a material uncertainty about our ability to continue to operate beyond mid-2023,” she said.
“We know it will be confusing considering the $6 million that Castlemaine Art Museum has received from the state government towards our building upgrades. However, this money is for upgrades only and cannot be utilised for the day to day operation of the gallery and museum,” Ms Symon said.
“The reality is that CAM receives just $140,000 per annum in operational funding and this coupled with grants to support our various exhibitions, the wonderful fundraising of the Friends of CAM, and donations from visitors and the community are barely keeping the organisation afloat.”
In an attempt to help address the funding deficit, CAM is organising a major fundraising initiative ‘CAM Commissions’ on Friday December 9 at 6pm.
The night will see a series of works created by three remarkable local artists with national reputations – Zoe Amor, David Frazer, and Melinda Harper – inspired by CAM’s heritage façade available for purchase and the auction of a number of astonishing art experiences.
You can also support CAM in remaining open through a tax-deductible donation at the gallery or via the website at castlemaineartmuseum.org.au
