Join the Friends
Joining the Wollongong Art Gallery Friends is a great way to experience the Gallery and support a range of initiatives and cultural activities.
You can nurture your interest in the arts, get out and about to different events and activities, and meet new, like-minded people. It's an easy way to stay in the know about local art and gain a new perspective from other Friends.
Become part of the Friends
Are you looking to join? Use the button below to submit an application, or email the Friends if you have any questions.
About the Friends
The Friends are an important part of the Gallery's vibrant social life. They aim to strengthen the link between the Gallery and the local community.
Through a variety of events and activities, members get to nurture, develop and maintain their interest in the arts with like-minded people.
You can meet new people in a creative, friendly and social environment, while staying in the know about local art.
The Friends is open to all members of the public. Funds raised help to support a number of Gallery cultural programs including Collection development and conservation, as well as supporting local artists.
The Friends are proudly sponsored by Tyrrell's Wines and the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach.
There are many great reasons to become a Friend including:
- Personal invitations to all functions, special previews, exhibition openings and events
- Morning teas, workshops, and artist talks
- Friends' bus trips (additional cost) including mystery tours to some of Sydney’s most exciting commercial galleries, regional galleries and the National Gallery of Australia, as well as other places of interest
- 10% member discounts on purchases at the Wollongong Art Gallery Gift Shop
- A reduced rate on all public program fees, such as workshops
- Reciprocal rights at many leading galleries in Australia, including national and state galleries
- 10% discount at the following sponsors - show your current membership card to receive a discount:
- Centro CBD Italian Restaurant (restaurant only)
- Levers Art
- McGregor Optical
- Overboard Surf
- Alexandar Michaels
- Utopia Cafe.
There are a range of different membership types available.
| Membership type | One year | Two years | Three years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $40 | $60 | $90 |
| Joint membership | $45 | $75 | $95 |
| Family (2 adults and up to 3 children under 17 years) | $50 | $70 | $100 |
| Student | $15 | $25 | $30 |
| Senior | $15 | $25 | $30 |
Art Connect is a program designed for art enthusiasts who enjoy the world of art and are keen to see Wollongong Art Gallery's collection grow. This exclusive membership offers:
- Access to all the benefits of a Wollongong Art Gallery Friends membership
- One fully catered member and partner dinner (Single membership), or two fully catered dinners (Joint membership) in the Gallery with guest art speakers, discussion, and input into artworks to be purchased
- Special drinks at the end of the year to reveal the latest acquisition purchased with your support
- A great social outlet that brings everyone together in a relaxed, informal and entertaining setting.
Art Connect membership details
ART Connect membership is for one (1) year starting each year on 1 January.
| Membership type | Cost per year |
|---|---|
| Single | $350 |
| Joint (two people) | $600 |
For more information and to apply, please email the Friends.
This initiative by the Friends encourages individuals and businesses to support the conservation of the Gallery's permanent collection.
Art+Care works on the following star system with each level having different incentives:
- One star: $1,000 for one artwork
- Two stars: $2,000 for two artworks
- Three stars: $3,000 for three artworks.
Lord Mayor, Cr Gordon Bradbery AM is the patron of Art+Care. All donations are tax deductible.
If you want to know more or would like to support this important program, please email the Friends.