We’re so thrilled that our South East Centre for Contemporary Art project has won both the Blacket prize award and Public Architecture award at the Architecture NSW awards!!
Jury Citation:
The South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA) is awarded the 2024 Blacket Prize for achieving design excellence in a regional context.
The proposed SECCA building is an extensive refurbishment and expansion of the former Bega Valley Regional Art Gallery. With the aim to forge stronger connections between the community and art, the revitalised gallery is not just a cultural hub but a driver of cultural tourism.
The clever design incorporates a well resolved, carefully detailed and cost-effective addition to the original outdated and restrictive building. Encompassing an area of over 500sqm, the expansion strategically reprograms existing functions, bringing gallery spaces to the periphery to showcase exhibitions through large openings in the textured aluminium facade screen. The project has provided a vibrant and playful new facade which engages with the surrounding landscape and civic precinct.
The South East Centre for Contemporary Art is a worthy recipient of the Blacket Prize as it demonstrates an innovative and sensitive architectural revival to an existing building and strengthens ties with the local community, providing a new fit for purpose Art Gallery in the regional town of Bega.
