

Presenting over 852 artists, the resplendent cultural and community hub continues to celebrate diversity, culture and identity through art
AS the Shepparton Art Museum approaches three-years in their new home on the banks of Victoria Park Lake, it’s time to take a look at how the space has evolved, transformed, and continues to move forward as a cultural hub for community and visitors alike.
Over the past three years, SAM has presented 54 exhibitions, celebrated over 852 artists, and welcomed more than 280,000 people. The state-of-the-art facility has allowed the museum to partner with leading institutions from across Australia, including the National Gallery of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria. Through these exhibitions SAM has brought to the region artworks from leading Australia, First Nations, and international artists, and with this, welcoming local visitation, which is now well over 60 per cent yearly.
“To see locals visit time and time again is rewarding for our team, and to hear that our local community are bringing their out-of-town friends and family to SAM shows us that we are on the right track,” said Gabriella Calandro, head of engagement at SAM.


“Community has always been the heart of SAM, and our aim is to give our visitors a variety of opportunities to engage, connect and see themselves and Shepparton reflected in what we present. Beyond bringing the world to our region through national and international artworks, we also continue to celebrate local creatives, ensuring they are represented in our exhibition program, and partner with local contractors and suppliers to support our region’s economy.”
Since 2021, SAM has engaged local creatives and artists to host workshops, talks, and events at SAM, and exhibited the creative practice of 277 artists in their Community Gallery.
“Since 2021, SAM has hosted more than 800 programs that have welcomed individuals, families, school groups and professionals from across the GV and beyond. Together with Elsewhere at SAM, Kaiela Arts, and the Visitor Information Centre, the precinct is focused on providing the best experience for our visitors.”
As the museum’s collection moves toward its 90th anniversary in 2026, SAM aims to present more of its nationally recognised collection throughout the museum’s spaces, where the community can reconnect with old favourites, and discover new artworks to enjoy.
“SAM is home to more than 4,300 artworks with the collection growing yearly. We are looking forward to our community sharing their stories and memories of these collection items with us and bringing friends and family in to see their favourites in a new light.”