Ferry Artists Gallery faces funding crisis that could impact survival of Wisemans Ferry gallery

Carol Gill, secretary of the Ferry Artists Gallery, said the members of the group are facing a rental increase of $500 a month to be able to stay in their premises in Wisemans Ferry Central.

"The landlord needs to increase the rent to make his business viable into the future for him. Our issue is that a $500 increase per month is a considerable amount for us to manage without some support and there is not another suitable shop for us to move into," Ms Gill said.

She said the group is in the process of negotiating a lease with incremental increases so it doesn't impact them all at once, however, if they are not able to meet the increase, they face closure of their community organisation.

"We are speaking to our community and have had some sponsorship and donations come in to assist us short term and the committee are busy working on fundraising to bring the extra money needed into the Gallery long term," Ms Gill said.

"We have applied but not been offered any financial assistance from Councils, except grant applications for events which we will follow through. We are working hard to meet this new challenge but feel that without any assistance we may fall short."

The Ferry Artist Gallery has been in business for close to 20 years, showcasing the works of local artists and artisans. The group has over 30 members, and the not-for-profit gallery is staffed by volunteers six days a week, 10am to 4pm.

"Our mission is to provide a venue for emerging and established artists to be able to exhibit in their own community," said Ms Gill.

"Due to the isolation and varying demographic of our valley, it can be difficult for many reasons for an artist to be able to bring their work to the public. We are an important conduit between the city and rural regions in the Hawkesbury for our artists and celebrate many cultural aspects of our community."

The group members are encouraging locals to support them at the gallery for their current exhibition, 'Local Colour', and their upcoming exhibition, 'Winter Sunshine' opening on June 22.

Locals are invited to the official opening for 'Winter Sunshine' on June 22, 4-6pm. Dignitaries will be in attendance and there will be a raffle drawn on the night for an artwork by Mellissa Read-Devine.

Following the opening, an inaugural fundraising dinner will take place from 6pm at Busby's Restaurant. The cost is $40 per head and 50 per cent of the proceeds will go to the gallery.

To book for the fundraising dinner or inquire about donations and sponsorship opportunities, call the gallery on 4566 4385 (open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 4pm), or go to www.ferryartists.org. The Ferry Artists Gallery is at Shops 1 and 2, 5557 Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry.