Local focus for new gallery director

By Kath Gannaway
AS DIRECTOR of Monash Gallery of Art, Jane Scott increased attendances by 500 per cent.
It is, no doubt, just one of many attributes which recommended her for the role of Director of TarraWarra Museum of Art (TWMA) in Healesville.
Ms Scott took over from inaugural director, Maudie Palmer, in March and increasing attendances is definitely on the agenda.
The launch of “The Locals”, a friends program, is an exciting first step aimed at a demographic which is currently under-represented.
TWMA is one of the major art destinations for Melbourne, interstate and international visitors to the valley, but for many locals, it remains an undiscovered cultural and tourist experience.
Returning from America where she has spent the past two years as cultural attaché at the Australian Embassy in Washington, Ms Scott said she was excited to be returning to such a prestigious gallery.
TWMA opened in 2003 as a gift to the people from founders Eva and Marc Besen.
The museum’s architecturally oustanding building houses masterworks by iconic Australian artists from the 1950s to the present day.
The Locals program provides free admission to TWMA, a free subscription to the bi-monthly TWMA newsletter and invitations to special events at the museum.
Membership is open to residents in the 3777, 3775, 3139, 3770, 3797, 3799, 3778, 3779, 3763, 3711 and 3757 area codes.
Ms Scott said connecting with the local community was important for TWMA.
“Art can provide new ways of seeing the world, it’s a pleasure everyone should have a chance to experience,” she said.
“TWMA is one of the key cultural destinations of the Yarra Valley and we look forward to the local community enjoying the museum as much as the tourists do,” Ms Scott added.
Application for an individual or family membership can be made by visiting TarraWarra Museum of Art with proof of local residency.
TWMA is at 311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Healesville, phone 5957 3100.