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This article was published on Thursday, 21 July, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

#YourNewSAM:Architectural competition unique opportunity for architects

The new Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) building will be an outstanding example of exciting, best-practice contemporary museum architecture designed by one of Australia’s leading architects on a remarkable site in regional Victoria.

Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced architects who are interested in developing concept designs for the proposed new Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) on a site adjacent to Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton.

This is the first stage in a two-stage competition endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects. Council is looking for a wide range of responses to the EOI and from the responses a seven person jury will select a shortlist of five. Shortlisted teams will be invited to develop a concept design for SAM in stage 2.

Each shortlisted team will be provided with a more detailed brief and will be paid an honorarium of $7,000 to assist with the development of the concept design. The winning entry will receive a prize of $10,000.

The competition will result in a commission to the successful entrant, who will be appointed to work with Greater Shepparton City Council and SAM stakeholders to further develop the design. Funding has been received from the Victorian State Government, Council and the SAM Foundation.

An announcement of $10 million was made by Minister for Regional Development and Nationals Deputy Leader Senator Fiona Nash when she visited Shepparton on 14 June towards the construction of a new SAM if the Coalition was returned to government. Council is awaiting formal confirmation.

The seven member jury is a skills based board, with professional members drawn from the arts, architecture/design, academia, Indigenous architecture and related industries.

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Community and Project Board Chair, Kaye Thomson, said the successful proponent will bring an inventive and thoughtful design strategy and the capacity to develop and deliver an outstanding project.

“We are very excited to have reached the stage of seeking design concepts. A new SAM has been in the pipeline for many years and the design competition is a project that will provide interesting challenges and unique opportunities for the successful architect,” said Ms Thomson.

SAM Director, Dr Rebecca Coates said SAM’s curatorial program engages with its local context, while exploring contemporary themes that are global in their scope and ambitions.

“The museum is noted for its ceramics collections, which is one of the most important in regional Australia. It also has significant collections of Indigenous art from around Australia, signature historic paintings by leading Australian artists, and a growing collection by leading contemporary artists,” said Dr Coates.

“We want the SAM building to foster a strong sense of engagement, ownership and pride for visitors and local audiences alike. This is an opportunity to celebrate and enhance the rich and diverse Shepparton community, which includes the largest Aboriginal community in Victoria outside Melbourne and people from many parts of the world,” said Dr Coates.