CENTRAL GALLERY | 32.5 running metres

Prior to development, this space was a dining area off of the historic Town Hall, called the Town Hall Banquet Room.

In 2001, this space was transformed into a functioning visual arts space as a part of Stage 1 of the cultural facility development.

Structural changes were made to this space during Stage 3 of redevelopments in 2010, and new flooring was installed in 2021.

JEAN SIMS GALLERY | 26 running metres

This gallery space was originally the servery for the Town Hall. It was renovated concurrently with the Central Gallery in 2001 during Stage 1 of development but was a smaller room at that time.

In 2010, the Regional Gallery underwent a major redevelopment (Stage 3), with structural changes made to all of the gallery spaces. This smaller gallery space was extended during the redevelopment and, upon being re-opened, was named after local artist and teacher, Jean Sims.

Jean Sims was a prolific artist who exhibited nationally. She was a founding contributor of the Rotary Art Show and volunteered her services to the art show for over 20 years.  She established an art gallery in Murray Bridge, and was the leading force behind the Art and Craft society.

Jean held a retrospective exhibition at the age of 91 in 2003 at the Murray Bridge Regional Gallery.  She taught many local artists and continued to teach art until shortly before her death. The naming of the small gallery is a fitting tribute to Jean’s contribution to the arts in Murray Bridge.

VICKI NOTTAGE GALLERY | 39 running metres

This gallery space was originally the side section of the Town Hall and was originally referred to as the ‘Pig Pen’ as it was open to the weather, often muddy and full of pigeons.  It is now referred to as the Vicki Nottage Gallery in honour of a local artist.

Vicki Nottage was a driving force for arts in Murray Bridge and the surrounding district.  She worked tirelessly and with great enthusiasm and passion.  She encouraged local artists and brought the community together to form the beginnings of a Regional Gallery in Murray Bridge. Vicki was also very involved in The Murray Bridge Community Cultural Development Advisory Committee.  She joined the Central Board of Country Arts SA and eventually became the Chair where she was actively involved in the arts, not only in her region but throughout the whole state.

Vicki believed that art is for everyone, and that it should not be exclusive. The 2001 opening of Murray Bridge Regional Gallery was one of her proudest moments, fulfilling the dream she had for the community.

Vicki is no longer with us, but what she began, has been embraced by the Murray Bridge community, and shows no signs of ending.