Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM) has secured $185,000 a year from Moree Plains Shire Council for the next five years, giving the gallery long-term certainty as it prepares to host the Archibald Prize and works towards its 40th anniversary in 2028.
The new funding agreement between the council and the Moree Cultural Art Foundation was signed at BAMM on Wednesday, 28 October.
It provides annual operational funding of $185,000 plus GST for the five years from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030.
“BAMM is an incredible asset for our community and a cornerstone of the region’s arts and cultural landscape,” said Moree Plains Shire Mayor Susannah Pearse.
“Council is pleased to continue our role as BAMM’s number one backer, recognising that not just the value BAMM currently delivers, but also the importance of the creative arts to our shire and visitors.”
Pearse said the council was proud to continue its support of BAMM through the agreement.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have an institution like BAMM in Moree,” she said.
“It is a regionally-significant gallery which bats well above its average, helping to put Moree on the map, and enabling our community to come together and participate in and access the arts.”
“BAMM is an important part of Moree Plains’ cultural and visitor economy, providing experiences that attract people to our region and support local businesses,” said Moree Plains Shire Council Manager Economic Development Brian Kindilien.
Kindilien said the agreement marked an important milestone in the council’s investment in initiatives that contribute to the region’s economic growth.
“This agreement provides long-term funding certainty and demonstrates Council’s commitment to investing in cultural institutions that contribute to both the economic vitality and liveability of our community,” he said.
“I thank the BAMM Chair, board and team on the fantastic service they continue to deliver the Shire,” the mayor said.
“I have no doubts that this five-year agreement will see BAMM continue to go from strength to strength.”
The agreement comes as BAMM prepares to host the Archibald Prize 2026, one of Australia’s most celebrated touring exhibitions, next month.
Locals and visitors to the shire will get the chance to see this year’s finalists up close in Moree. Wayne Tunnicliffe, Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the Art Gallery of NSW, will open the exhibition as guest speaker.
The local Young Archie competition will be exhibited alongside the Archibald finalists. The competition encourages young artists aged 5 to 18 to create a portrait of someone special in their lives, and celebrates the work of young artists in the community. Winners will be selected across four age categories.
Archibald Prize 2026 at BAMM:
- Opening: Thursday, 12 November, 5.30pm for 6pm
- Exhibition: Friday, 13 November to Saturday, 19 December
- Entry: $10, and free for children under 15
Moree Cultural Art Foundation Chair Annabelle Simpson said signing the agreement showed the council’s commitment and confirmed BAMM’s position as a leading cultural institution in regional NSW.
“Working in partnership with Council enables BAMM to expand their cultural significance and focus on initiatives that will increase our prominence both locally and statewide,” Mrs Simpson said.
“This is particularly important as we work towards celebrating BAMM’s 40th year anniversary in 2028.”
“We look forward to the next chapter of BAMM and working in partnership with Moree Plains Shire Council.”
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