The Warrnambool Art Gallery (WAG) and Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum have been awarded Victorian Government grants via its Regional Collections Access Program.
The WAG received $188,000 to help replace its lighting system which is at the end of its operational life.
Flagstaff Hill received $116,401 for capital works and accompanying equipment purchases to transform an ageing permanent exhibition space into a new temporary space capable of providing an engaging exhibition program, better collection care and access for visitors.
“We’re very grateful for the support provided to the WAG and Flagstaff Hill,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Vicki Jellie said.
“We want residents and visitors to Warrnambool to have the best possible experience when they visit venues such as the WAG and Flagstaff Hill and these grants will help achieve that aim.”
The Flagstaff Hill work will include upgrading display cases so that items can be accessed and the space used for other exhibitions.
Museum standard lighting will be installed along with movable cabinetry to provide greater flexibility with displays. 
The $4 million Regional Collections Access Program initiative will support 36 museums, galleries and cultural organisations, funding capital works to enable them to attract touring exhibitions, borrow and display prominent artworks and better care for their collections. It means more visitors and stronger futures for much-loved institutions with flow-on benefits for local businesses in regional areas.
The Regional Collections Access Program is administered through Regional Arts Victoria, in partnership with Creative Victoria, Australian Museums and Galleries Association Victoria, Public Galleries Association of Victoria and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said Victoria’s regional galleries and museums were among the best in the country “attracting tourists and jobs to vibrant cities and towns while preserving and showcasing precious cultural artefacts.
“This funding will help attract more touring exhibitions to regional Victoria and introduce more people to our incredible regional collections.”
Public Galleries Association of Victoria Executive Officer Anne Robertson said galleries with upgraded infrastructure were better placed to “attract major touring exhibitions and borrow key works from national and international institutions.”
“The program will ensure more Victorians can access world-class visual art in more galleries across the state,” Ms Robertson said.