Gallery go-getters

Surviving drought, Black Summer bushfires and the headwinds of COVID-19, this gallery has become a regional landmark and online pioneer.

Surviving drought, Black Summer bushfires and the headwinds of COVID-19, this gallery has become a regional landmark and online pioneer.

In 2017, the 1900-era Old Refreshments building of the Theatre Royal in Lithgow began its new life as a contemporary art gallery called Gang Gang. This was the culmination of work by local resident Sharon Howard, her husband Ross and timber artist son Damian in realising Sharon’s vision of a meeting, celebration and conversation space for the community.

The gallery was doing well and bringing joy to the community until the bushfires in 2019-20 drove down the visitor numbers. The priority began to bring customers back with exhibitions, workshops and a range of musical performances.

With an open space at the rear of the gallery and ample street parking, visions of alfresco picnic teas listening to live music developed. A coffee shortage at that end of town on weekend afternoons would finally be addressed with a pop-up service. Suddenly COVID-19 came knocking, bringing restrictions that changed these plans and demanded another pivot to their digital presence.

With the support provided through the Entrepreneur’s Programme, the Howards developed a new roadmap to a more resilient and diversified business. They created a more sophisticated online retail shop, a smooth back-office process and finally a 360-degree immersive experience online exhibition.

These digital initiatives have led Sharon to expand her customer base to those in new regions, who are as enthusiastic and supportive as her existing clients in the Blue Mountains and Sydney.

?“Accessing information is time consuming, so I found that aspect [of the program] very helpful. I am feeling more confident in reaching for the stars”

The next steps include development of an arts mural trail across the Seven Valleys from the Blue Mountains through Hartley, Lithgow, Portland and Capertee to Mudgee, inspired by the landmark Gang Gang cockatoo mural Sharon commissioned for the side of her building.

About Strengthening Business

Under the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, Strengthening Business supports businesses in fire-affected communities to strengthen, transform and adapt following the bushfire crisis and resulting changes in their local marketplace. A facilitator will work with businesses to provide mentorship and develop a roadmap, identifying the immediate, medium and long-term challenges and opportunities. Your facilitator can also help you access networks, resources, funding opportunities and specialist services unique to your business needs.