Created to inspire and enrich people’s appreciation of nature, WAMA explores the deep interconnection between art, science and nature. The centrepiece – a world-class art gallery – dedicated to environmental art and surrounded by indigenous wildlife, native botanic gardens, and bushlands.
We believe that, by engaging people to better understand, appreciate and stimulate their connection with nature, we can work together to achieve a happier more sustainable future.
The WAMA Project vision is announced. “Where Art Meets Nature’ art exhibitions are held at the Sofitel Melbourne and the Lucy McEachern Gallery, Inverleigh.
MvS Architects are appointed to design the gallery building. Tract landscape architects are appointed to design the associated landscaping and infrastructure.
WAMA, Jallukar Landcare and Greening Australia join forces to revegetate more than 2.1 hectares of the WAMA site with indigenous native grasslands.
Vermin-proof fencing installed.
Grampians Endemic Botanic Gardens plant propagation commences.
The ‘WAMA Online Gallery’ launched, presenting Nature Nurturing Art and Inspiration Wild: Foundation Artists 6 Years On art exhibitions.
Final WAMA site plan announced
Inaugural WAMA Art Prize launched.
Final building design is announced and Site Planning and Development Application approved.
A Capital Campaign is announced to raise funds to complete Stage 1.
Site planning permit approved.
$6.75M State Government RTIF funding received to build $9M Gallery building and associated infrastructure.
Stage 1 of Grampians/Gariwerd Endemic Gardens completed including:
Landscape design and garden construction.
Collecting permits obtained assisted by the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Planting of Stage 1 completed with the help of WAMA volunteers.
Introductory signs installed.
A Maintenance/Gardener is appointed.
Building construction to commence.
WAMA Gallery to be completed and open to the public.
From my childhood, I have maintained a sense of curiosity and respect for the connectedness between art and nature. This connection allows a time for reflection, learning and observation of the intricacies and roots of our sense of place in this world.
As Australia becomes more populated, urbanised and sanitized, and our world more technological, the timing is perfect for an art gallery that focuses on a rediscovery of the relationship between man and his natural surroundings, raising awareness of our environment and deepening people’s understanding and appreciation of nature.
My hope is that this website will stimulate your curiosity about the project and explain how we plan to realize this vision of creating a museum that harnesses the beauty and uniqueness of Australia’s flora and fauna and its relation to art.
I extend a warm invitation to you, to “get involved”, through membership, volunteering in our many projects, events and activities, purchasing our beautiful Australian Geographic calendars or through donating to support WAMA.
Our success relies on your generosity and commitment to this imaginative, original, exciting initiative.
PATRON
BEd (Early Child)
CHAIRMAN
BE (Chem), MBA, FREng, FIChemE, FIEAust
PATRON
BEd (Early Child)
Returning home to the Grampians after living in Europe for 20 years, Glenda’s love of the region and passion for education led to the creation of the Grampians Wildlife Arts Society, which she chaired for three years. Having successfully established and supported not-for-profit organisations here and abroad, Glenda has brought together like-minded artists and lovers of the region’s unique flora and fauna who are instrumental in bringing the WAMA vision to life.
CHAIRMAN
BE (Chem), MBA, FREng, FIChemE, FIEAust
As an engineer of international standing, Greg returned to the Grampians after a long and distinguished career overseas and is passionate about making WAMA a place that complements and enhances the region as a tourism destination.
DIRECTOR, DESIGN LEAD PhD (Env Sci), BArts/BScience
A freshwater ecologist with more than 20 years’ experience in scientific research and museums, Ayesha is passionate about connecting people to the natural world and is excited for WAMA to introduce a new generation to the wonders of nature.
DIRECTOR, NATIVE GARDENS LEAD
Jill recently retired after 27 years at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Cranbourne Gardens, where she worked on the design and development of award-winning Australia Garden. She believes WAMA provides a much-needed opportunity to showcase the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grampians region through native flora.
DIRECTOR, CONSTRUCTION LEAD
With more than 45 years’ experience in civil engineering specialising in major land developments including wetlands, John is charged with bringing the gallery to life. John believes WAMA will provide a leading example of how to rehabilitate degraded farm and woodlands to conserve our unique flora and fauna for future generations.
DIRECTOR, ART LEAD
With a decorated and distinguished career in public art institutions, including the National Gallery of Victoria and National Gallery of the Northern Territory, Jacqui believes WAMA provides a unique opportunity to engage and excite new audiences through the intersection of art and science.
DIRECTOR, WILDLIFE LEAD
Having spent most of his career running large-scale wildlife tourism destinations in New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia (including Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo) Glen brings his passion for indigenous cultures, wildlife, and conservation to WAMA to create a truly unique experience.
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Having spent most of her life in Stawell and being actively involved in the project from the beginning, Lynn believes WAMA will be a tourist destination project like no other, appealing to art, nature, and science lovers alike.
DIRECTOR, LEGAL LEAD
An experienced company director, Peter is a strong supporter of the role WAMA plays in reconnecting people to nature and is committed to ensuring that the development of WAMA progresses responsibly.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMPANY SECRETARY
Ange has more than 30 years’ experience in marketing and advertising and is now focused on bringing economic and environmental development into the Grampians region, which WAMA will do.
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