All eyes from art galleries and museums around Australia will turn towards Ballarat this year after the city secured hosting rights for a major conference.

The Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) will hold its annual conference in Ballarat for the first time in September.

Up to 700 people are expected to attend the conference held by Australia’s peak body for the museums and galleries sector.

It is expected the event will contribute more than $1.15 million to the Ballarat economy, with local accommodation and hospitality businesses to benefit greatly.

The AMaGA received a $20,000 grant via the City of Ballarat’s Tourism Events Grant Program to assist with this event.

Most recently, the event was held in Newcastle in 2023 and Perth in 2022.

Final locations for the conference are yet to be finalised, but are expected to include the Civic Hall, The Goods Shed, Mining Exchange, The Art Gallery of Ballarat and the Ballaarat Mechanic Institute.

Eureka Centre Manager Anthony Camm is chairing the conference’s Programming Committee, which is responsible for developing content related to this year’s theme of (un)Common Ground.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said securing the event was further proof of Ballarat’s position as the leading cultural destination in regional Australia.

“We are thrilled to be able to host such a magnificent event and look forward to welcoming people from throughout Australia to our great city,” he said.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Ballarat’s cultural sector in Ballarat. This conference will shine a light on our city’s many brilliant museums and art galleries, including the Art Gallery of Ballarat and the Eureka Centre and of course Sovereign Hill, as well as our creative community, unique heritage and dynamic street life.

“To be able to secure a major business event like this shows we are a true events destination and further cements Ballarat’s reputation as a hive of cultural activity.”

AMaGA National Director Katie Russell said Ballarat would be a brilliant city to host the conference.

“We’re absolutely delighted Ballarat is the site for our 2024 national conference and awards ceremony,” she said.

“A regional venue enables conference delegates from across Australia to immerse themselves in rich stories of place – plus experience cultural offerings and heritage sites unique to Ballarat. We can’t wait to meet you in September.”

The conference will run from 17-20 September, 2024. To learn more, visit the AMaGA 2024 website.