- Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
Bendigo’s proud history of attracting exclusive international showstoppers is set to continue with an exhibition celebrating one of the world’s best fashion designers to open at the Bendigo Art Gallery, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced the Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion exhibition, set to bring 50,000 people to Bendigo, with funding through the Labor Government’s Regional Events Fund.
Known as the master of haute couture, Cristóbal Balenciaga was one of the most innovative and influential fashion designers of the last century.
Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion is a collaboration between the Victoria and Albert Museum London and the Bendigo Art Gallery, and will showcase over 100 garments and hats crafted by Balenciaga, his protégés and contemporary designers working in the same innovative way.
Alongside these iconic garments, fashionistas can also study archive sketches, patterns, photographs, fabric samples and catwalk footage, providing a unique insight into Balenciaga’s salons and workrooms.
The Bendigo Art Gallery is no stranger to presenting must-see international exhibitions, with the likes of 20th Century Fox’s Marilyn Monroe in 2016 and Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits currently on display.
The Labor Government has helped secure Qantas flights from Sydney to Bendigo, which will bring fashion fans to Bendigo for the exhibition.
The government’s $20 million Regional Events Fund helps rural and regional towns across Victoria secure a strong calendar of events to create local jobs and boost regional businesses.
Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion will run from 17 August to 10 November 2019.
As noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“This exciting collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is a testament to regional Victoria’s standing as an international arts destination.”
“Tourism in regional Victoria contributes $7.5 billion to the state’s economy each year, and employs over 85,000 people. We’re proud to support exhibitions that keep our regional tourism industry thriving.”
As stated by Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“With Qantas now flying from Sydney and this huge Australian exclusive exhibition, we’re cementing Bendigo as a regional cultural capital of Victoria and Australia.”
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“We’re proud to be supporting events like Shaping Fashion, attracting visitors to our region and capitalising on Bendigo’s tourism strengths.”
