Arts Minister Don Harwin made a fleeting visit to Maitland art gallery on Thursday on his way home from the community cabinet.
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But he didn’t bring his cheque book with him. Instead, he came to confirm that Maitland art gallery could apply for funding under the state government’s new $100 million Regional Cultural Fund.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Mr Harwin had announced the funding program hours earlier in Singleton.
Mr Harwin said the gallery was among the best he had seen in regional NSW.
“This is one of the best regional art galleries I’ve seen, without a doubt, I’m very impressed with it,” he said.
“The director Brigette is doing a great job and I think some of the exhibitions that have mounted here are very impressive.
“But I’m also greatly encouraged by the support the gallery is getting not just from the Maitland community but from the broader community.
“There are quite a few names I recognise from Sydney who are supporting Maitland, and that of course, is the ultimate compliment.”
The visit came after Maitland council missed out on an invitation to the community cabinet meeting in Singleton.