The program, which invites people with memory loss into the public space of the gallery for workshops and exhibitions, has received no government funding since it began. Despite this, it has transformed the lives of participants and doubled in size as a result.

MRAG cultural director Brigette Uren said the funding, which was collected at a fundraiser last weekend, went above and beyond the expectations – proving Maitland is a generous city.

“It also demonstrates that MRAG is recognised as a valued and active contributor to social causes and improving the health of the city – be it through our mental health partnerships, inclusion initiatives, or the Art & Dementia program,” she said.

Ms Uren said the program, which has always battled an uncertain future, would now able to expand. 

“[We] will be able to add real value to the program where we have not before, such as taking our art collection to nursing homes for people with more advanced stages of dementia,” she said.

THE DIRECTOR

For the last few years Maitland Regional Art Gallery has swept up accolades and praise by the armful. 

Over and over again it comes from the artists themselves - praising the space, the staff, the vision of the gallery and the support it receives from the community.

Until last year, the blooming reputation of MRAG was inextricably linked with its eccentric, larger-than-life cultural director - Joe Eisenberg.

When Eisenberg announced he'd step back from his role as cultural director, there was a collective sense of loss in the community. But the gallery's supporters, protective and deeply smitten with Eisenberg's MRAG, had little to worry about. 

His deputy director, Brigette Uren, had long acted as his counterbalance - practical, respectable and welcoming to Eisenberg's off-the-wall. 

Even when commenting as deputy director, she spoke with strength, direction and a voice entirely her own. 

Learn more about her story here.