News
7 August, 2025
Breaking artistic terrain
TOOGOOLAWAH’S Condensery Art Gallery is a finalist in Museums & Galleries Queensland’s peak sector award for its exhibition, Volatile Terrain.
The Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards (GAMAA) is a state-wide program which honours the achievements of individuals and organisations in striving towards excellence.
The Condensery had previous success in 2024, winning the GAMAA Engagement Award (Organisations with Paid Staff).
Somerset Regional Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee member, Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke, said The Condensery’s team of staff, volunteers and the artists involved in Volatile Terrain should be proud.
“Volatile Terrain exemplified The Condensery’s commitment to artistic excellence and sector leadership,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Over 10 months, guest curator Cara-Ann Simpson worked with selected Somerset artists Cassandra Hodgins, Jim Filmer, Naomi McKenzie, Sandi Hook and Shirley Gregor to develop themes and artwork for the exhibition.
“These Somerset artists also had the chance to display their work alongside a complement of renowned artists from across Australia.
“Through new commissions, curatorial mentorship, and community collaboration, Volatile Terrain exemplified The Condensery’s commitment to artistic excellence and sector leadership.”
Volatile Terrain was displayed over February and April 2025, the first installation of a two-yearly exhibition series called the Harvest Biennial, the first project of its kind in regional Australia.
“Our goal was to create more opportunities for emerging regional artists to feature their work alongside recognised artists,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Volatile Terrain fostered meaningful cultural outcomes for artists, audiences, and the wider arts ecology, positioning the Harvest Biennial as an original, sustainable and impactful model for regional arts development.”
The 2025 GAMAA winners will be announced on Tuesday 9 September at the Museum of Brisbane.
The project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.
Additional support was provided by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Somerset Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
