Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Thursday, 21 July, 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 The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.
Posted on Thursday 21st of July, 2016,
Greater Shepparton Council announces an Architectural Competition for a new Shepparton Art Museum which will provide an opportunity for architects to design a unique public building in a regional area.
The new Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) building will be an outstanding example of exciting, best-practice contemporary museum architecture designed by one of Australia’s leading architects on a remarkable site in regional Victoria.
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced architects who are interested in developing concept designs for the proposed new Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) on a site adjacent to Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton.
This is the first stage in a two-stage competition endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects. Council is looking for a wide range of responses to the EOI and from the responses a seven person jury will select a shortlist of five. Shortlisted teams will be invited to develop a concept design for SAM in stage 2.
Each shortlisted team will be provided with a more detailed brief and will be paid an honorarium of $7,000 to assist with the development of the concept design. The winning entry will receive a prize of $10,000.
The competition will result in a commission to the successful entrant, who will be appointed to work with Greater Shepparton City Council and SAM stakeholders to further develop the design. Funding has been received from the Victorian State Government, Council and the SAM Foundation.
An announcement of $10 million was made by Minister for Regional Development and Nationals Deputy Leader Senator Fiona Nash when she visited Shepparton on 14 June towards the construction of a new SAM if the Coalition was returned to government. Council is awaiting formal confirmation.
The seven member jury is a skills based board, with professional members drawn from the arts, architecture/design, academia, Indigenous architecture and related industries.
Greater Shepparton City Council Director Community and Project Board Chair, Kaye Thomson, said the successful proponent will bring an inventive and thoughtful design strategy and the capacity to develop and deliver an outstanding project.
“We are very excited to have reached the stage of seeking design concepts. A new SAM has been in the pipeline for many years and the design competition is a project that will provide interesting challenges and unique opportunities for the successful architect,” said Ms Thomson.
SAM Director, Dr Rebecca Coates said SAM’s curatorial program engages with its local context, while exploring contemporary themes that are global in their scope and ambitions.
“The museum is noted for its ceramics collections, which is one of the most important in regional Australia. It also has significant collections of Indigenous art from around Australia, signature historic paintings by leading Australian artists, and a growing collection by leading contemporary artists,” said Dr Coates.
“We want the SAM building to foster a strong sense of engagement, ownership and pride for visitors and local audiences alike. This is an opportunity to celebrate and enhance the rich and diverse Shepparton community, which includes the largest Aboriginal community in Victoria outside Melbourne and people from many parts of the world,” said Dr Coates.
The design competition opens on Friday 29 July and closes at 4pm on 31 August. For information on the design competition visit https://www.tendersearch.com.au/greatershepparton/
More News from Greater Shepparton
Thursday 11th of December,
Upcoming traffic management works in Shepparton
Greater Shepparton City Council wishes to advise that Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) works are programmed for multiple streets and roads throughout Shepparton, from January to June 2026. Read more
Wednesday 10th of December,
Funding secured for Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program
Greater Shepparton City Council has secured $469,000 in Victorian Government funding for the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program, to continue vital efforts in managing Queensland Fruit Fly across the region. Read more
Wednesday 10th of December,
Greater Shepparton City Council wins Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence
Greater Shepparton City Council has been recognised for its commitment to multicultural inclusion, winning the Local Government Award at the 2025 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. Read more
Monday 8th of December,
Greater Shepparton to host Victory A-League Women’s match and community programs next year
Greater Shepparton City Council is proud to welcome Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets to the region for a high-level Ninja A-League Women fixture that will bring elite football close to home for local fans and young players. Read more
Monday 8th of December,
Blue Green Algae warning for Mooroopna Recreation Reserve Lake
Greater Shepparton City Council is warning the public to avoid direct contact with water in the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve Lake after detecting high levels of blue-green algae. Read more
Friday 5th of December,
Council welcomes further relief for primary producers through a freeze on the ESVF
The latest State Budget update has been delivered, and Greater Shepparton City Council is pleased to see primary producers will receive a rate freeze through the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) for a further two years. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Saturday 13th of December,
Amy Newton - Dance Studios - CINEMATIC
Amy Newton Dance Studios are taking you on a journey through your favourite movies! From classic teen comedies to spooky horrors, you won’t want to miss this electrifying dance show. View on Riverlinks
Thursday 18th of December,
Christmas Craft Drop-In at Shepparton Library
Get into the festive spirit at Shepparton Library! Read more
Monday 15th of December,
Movie Afternoon at Shepparton Library - Mr Bean's Holiday (PG)
Escape the Summer heat and relax in the Shepparton Library with a fun movie afternoon! Read more
Tuesday 16th of December,
Riverlinks and Promac Productions present REJOICE AND BE MERRY... IT'S CHRISTMAS ' 25 -- AN AFTERNOON DELIGHT
To wind up a fantastic year of Afternoon shows at Riverlinks Eastbank, Promac Productions, Australia’s leading morning show company , bring their sparkling and highly acclaimed Christmas production to… View on Riverlinks
Tuesday 16th of December,
Book Chat at Shepparton Library
Come and join us at Shepparton Library for a cuppa and a chat about your favourite books! Read more
Friday 12th of December,
Puff Walk
Enjoy the beauty of our local parks on Puff Walk! Read more
See All Events