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Arguing that "if you don't have an art gallery, you might not have a city", a newly released report highlights the impact of public art museums.

Citing examples of how successful art galleries have been known to revive cities; examples being Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, Hobart's MONA and the Bendigo Art Gallery, a joint report by the Melbourne Business School, Deakin University and Arts Victoria presents four case studies of Public Art Museums.

The report, Demonstrating Impact, cites that in this fiercely competitive world with ever decreasing funding for the arts, public art galleries are required to demonstrate how they make a difference. This is often described in terms of economic and social impact.

Collaborated with two regional and two inner-city galleries in Victoria, Demonstrating Impact document the galleries journeys and explores the impact they have made in their local communities.

As case studies of entrepreneurship, innovation and ambition, Bendigo Art Gallery, Shepparton Art Museum, Linden Centre for Contemporary Art and Arts Project Australia offer important examples of how galleries can foster civic pride, social cohesion, regional development, and economic growth. The report also makes recommendations for the wider museum sector on how they can "do better at doing good."

Report co-researcher Associate Professor Jody Evans of the Melbourne Business School explains "despite their different histories, all four galleries share a common trait strong and inspiring leadership.

"These four remarkable leaders have been able to bring together a wide range of stakeholders and engage others in their vision which enables them to deepen and broaden their impact."

The report was released yesterday (Tuesday 26th November) by Carrillo Gantner AO, Chairman of the Sidney Myer Fund and noted philanthropist, and Andrew Abbott, acting Director of Arts Victoria.

Image: Bendigo Art Gallery.

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