THE Joss family is the latest to make a significant philanthropic donation to the $10.5 million Albury art gallery development.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The $200,000 donation to Murray Art Museum Albury was announced on Tuesday by the owners of the major Albury construction company.
Colin Joss and wife Lorraine were present for the announcement that followed the recent donation of $250,000 by the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
The Arts Albury fundraising group has achieved the goal of raising $1.05 million in philanthropic support that was needed to ensure the project went ahead.
The Joss family's involvement in local sporting groups including Ovens and Murray Football-Netball powerhouse, the Albury Tigers, is well-known.
But Mr Joss said MAMA would put the city on the map as a cultural destination.
"We are a large family company," he said.
"We are Albury-based, Albury-Wodonga focused and love the area.
"We are delighted to be part of it.
"I am not a great art follower, but I do believe culturally it is a requirement for a city of this size."
The Joss Family Galleries will be home to MAMA's permanent collection that has largely remained in storage in recent years due to space constraints with the former gallery.
It will also present exhibitions from an extensive photographic collection of more than 600 pieces including works by Max Dupain, Rosemary Laing and Tracey Moffatt.
Arts Albury fundraising group chairwoman Maree Cables said the Joss family donation capped off a successful drive for philanthropic funding.
"It is a very significant amount," she said.
"We are very privileged to have the name Joss because they are such a deserving family and give to the community."
Arts Albury has attracted 36 benefactors with donations ranging from $3000 to $250,000.
Its work will cease when MAMA opens on Friday.
MAMA director Jacqui Hemsley also welcomed the Joss family donation.
"Every major gallery showcases their collection and, through the generous support of the of Joss family, we now have the privilege to do that as well," she said.
"The Joss family galleries will showcase this wonderful collection in the manner it deserves."
