WAMA - National Centre for Environmental Art Development

GalleryBusiness+Operations PlanSustainability

12 June

Written By Sharyn May

WAMA - National Centre for Environmental Art

Client
WAMA Foundation

Location
Halls Gap VIC

Architect
MvS Architects + Taut Architects

Budget
$12 million

Traditional Custodians
Jardwadjali + Djab Wurrung

WAMA – the National Centre for Environmental Art – redefines the relationship between art, science, and nature in Australia's Grampians region. Developed on endemic bushland on Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali Country, WAMA is a unique art and environment precinct celebrating the intersection of art, science, and nature.

The new cultural and environmental landmark in the foothills of Gariwerd reimagines how galleries, landscapes and hospitality spaces connect visitors to nature. Australia’s first gallery dedicated to environmental art transforms a 16-hectare site into a sustainable regional destination, integrating exhibitions and experiences showcasing regional food and wine. Framing the launch, Maytrix guided the development of a comprehensive hospitality offering, scoping fitout and operational models to realise this immersive visitor experience.

Spearheaded by the WAMA Foundation and backed by the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, the $12 million gallery and precinct exemplify sustainable cultural tourism, anchored by a destination hospitality central. Establishing a resilient hospitality framework – Maytrix scoped and costed the delivery and fitout for seamless launch of the Centre and WAMA’s inaugural exhibition. Aligning planning and hospitality with WAMA's mission, the framework supports a world-class precinct that “fosters and promotes art inspired by the natural environment while inspiring appreciation and stewardship of the environment”.

“We’re proud to support the construction of this visionary project, which will showcase the spectacular natural surroundings of the Grampians and entice art lovers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.”

— Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events

Designed to enhance visitor connection, extend dwell time, and support sustainable operations, the framework meets the needs of a multi-purpose site welcoming diverse audiences. Flexibility, resilience, and environmental leadership are central to delivery. Addressing compressed mobilisation timeframes, Maytrix sequenced fitout, activation and staffing for WAMA's opening.

WAMA sets a benchmark for regional cultural tourism. Maytrix developed the operational model and scoped the fitout to ensure seamless delivery for launch. Our approach draws on deep hospitality expertise and extensive experience in commercial strategy and delivery across major and regional galleries and the cultural sector.

A $12M investment on 16 hectares at Gariwerd integrates art, nature and sustainability. Maytrix delivered hospitality strategy, operational plan and fit out, embedding local sourcing and flexibility for WAMA as a national centre for environmental art — WAMA (National Centre for Environmental Art)
Image - MvS Architects

“The Grampians are such an iconic regional location and home to an incredibly rich environment – we’re thrilled to support this project, which will give visitors and locals an unforgettable art and nature experience.”

— Gayle Tierney, Minister for Regional Development