Orbost Exhibition Centre

Description

The Orbost Exhibition Centre (OEC) delivers an ongoing arts program that nurtures regional creativity and presents wood design, visual arts and performing arts to Orbost, surrounding communities and visitors to the Far East Gippsland area.

Their permanent collection is made up of pieces acquired from the Australian Wood Design Exhibition (AWDE) shows over the past 20 years. The permanent wood design collection is always on display.​ Since 2020 the AWDE runs bi-annually.

Their purpose-built facility was funded by state and federal Governments, the Myer Fund and FRRR philanthropic trusts and East Gippsland Shire Council. The architecturally designed building was constructed using materials and timber donated by the Orbost Community and local timber mills.

They are located on the banks of the famous Snowy River, adjacent the Orbost Visitor Centre (the historic Slab Hut), and Orbost's popular Forest Park. The OEC is a regional centre for both visual and performing arts, an events venue and their shop supports the creative practice and retail outlet for over 30 regional artists and craftspeople.​

They are a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation. The OEC receives no ongoing funding for any of their activities. Their capacity to open the doors, hold exhibitions, create arts programs, attract arts and culture opportunities to the area, and support the local creative community is made possible by their committed volunteers.