Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Friday, 22 April, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

New SAM Governance model endorsed

Council endorsed a governance model of a new Company Limited by Guarantee. The model was determined after a workshop with councillors, the Project Board and other key stakeholders was held to discuss all the options for governance of the new SAM.

Greater Shepparton City Council CEO Peter Harriott and SAM Foundation Chair Peter Quinn were appointed as the founding members/directors for Shepparton Art Museum Limited.

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Community Kaye Thomson said a Company Limited by Guarantee is the only effective way for Council to share the expanded operating risks of a new Shepparton Art Museum. “This governance model allows the company to secure capital and operating funds for the project. The private funds required would be unable to be raised under an alternative model.”

“The skills-based Board will have two nominated representatives from Council and will comprise people with designated skills relevant to a significant cultural institution who are able to assist the Governance Board in its objectives,” said Ms Thomson.

The existing collection will be owned by the Council as will the new building which will be leased to the Art Museum Board for a peppercorn rent. The Art Museum Board may also accept and own works of art, which will enable gifts to the Museum which would otherwise not occur, with private donors often unwilling to give art to a local government entity.

The process for the development of the new Art Museum is being managed by a SAM Project Board with 12 members representing Regional Development Victoria, the SAM Foundation, Gallery Kaiela and Yorta Yorta Nation. There are also representatives of Greater Shepparton City Council from SAM, Planning, Economic Development, Marketing and Communications, Visitor Information, Finance and Project Management.

“The Project Board is currently working on a Procurement Plan for the architectural design which is a two stage competition that will be conducted in accordance with the Australian Institute of Architects’ Competition Guidelines and endorsed by the Institute,” said Ms Thomson.

“The design competition will start with an Expression of Interest which will ask for a design approach and a vision for the new facility as well as a capability statement. From the Expression of Interest, a shortlist of architectural firms will be asked to submit a concept design for consideration.”

The management of the design competition and the full design phase will be overseen by a panel of experts including a Competition Advisor.

Council are currently seeking to appoint one community member to join the SAM Project Board Committee. See below for the application form.

Any community members interested in being a community representative on the Project Board Committee are asked to contact Raquel McDonald on 5832 9700 for more information.