Sarah Thomson appointed new director of Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

A new director coloured by her experience in the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery to date brings energy and passion for socially engaged projects to the role.

Hervey Bay Regional Gallery's new director Sarah Thomson.

A freshly appointed regional art gallery director vows to build the venue’s reputation at a national and local level.

After serving as the acting director at the gallery since October 2023, Sarah Thomson was thrilled to be officially appointed director of Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.

With a passion for socially engaged projects, Ms Thomson was motivated by art’s capacity to offer fresh perspectives.

“The Fraser Coast has a vibrant and colourful cultural life, and the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery has an essential role in promoting cultural diversity, community engagement and freedom of expression,” Ms Thomson said.

She said she wanted to continue the momentum built since the gallery reopened in April 2022.

With experience working at the Institute of Modern Art in Brisbane and two bachelor degrees from QUT, Sarah brings a wealth of expertise to the gallery.

“As acting director, I was particularly involved in the development of the School of Displacement project with artist Keg de Souza, which explored housing insecurity and homelessness through a giant tent installation and multichannel audio experience,” she said.

Hervey Bay Regional Gallery's new director Sarah Thomson.

“I have also been the public programs and community engagement officer at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery so I come to this new position with a great appreciation for the gallery and the Hervey Bay community.”

“The gallery team is full of energy and enthusiasm.

“We are dedicated to building an exceptional gallery that the community can be proud of, and visitors will be delighted to discover.”

Two exhibitions are currently on display at the gallery, Cane and Wilhelmus Briekers’ Eat the Moon.

“I’m excited to be presenting a solo exhibition by Phoebe Paradise later this year, coinciding with the installation of a new large-scale mural in the gallery foyer,” Sarah said.

“Additionally, we’ll feature curated group exhibitions and welcome Butchulla and Burmese artist Mia Boe for the Fiona Foley Residency, followed by her significant solo exhibition to conclude the year.”

For more information about the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, visit www.hbrg.com.au

‘Appalling’: Voter frustration spills over at polling booths

‘Absolutely vile’: Councillor says grandkids targeted with death threats