Fungal contamination forces Hamilton Gallery to cancel two exhibitions

Air quality testing at Hamilton Gallery has revealed an “elevated amount” of fungal spores, resulting in a sudden closure and limbo for a Jimmi Buscombe exhibition and upcoming children's show LOOK! 

Remediation works - treating mould - can take anywhere from one week to three months, depending on the location and the amount found. 

❓What happened: Southern Grampians Shire Council made the decision to close the gallery out of an “abundance of caution” and on the advice of contractors. 

Warrnambool-based artist Jimmi Buscombe’s exhibition First Images was set to open on Saturday (August 8) and run until November 1. 

The children’s exhibition LOOK! was slated to run from August 8 to November 2.

⌚What next: A statement from council said further investigation is required to ensure the space is safe for public events, and further works are slated for next week to assess what remediation work is required. 

The Brolga has sought comment from the gallery about whether the exhibitions will be rescheduled.