THERE is just over one week to go before the curtain comes down on arguably the most successful exhibition to come to the Bendigo Art Gallery - Archibald Prize 08.

This collection of the 40 finalists from this year’s Archibald Prize represents a priceless assortment of art, and for the benefit of Bendigo, a priceless opportunity that has been embraced with open arms by this community.

That more than 20,000 people had visited the gallery up to a few days ago since the Archibald Prize 08 exhibition was launched by media personality Red Symons, is an achievement beyond this city’s wildest dreams, and one that has given us a significant boost as a regional centre for the arts.

It will be difficult for the City of Greater Bendigo to quantify the economic benefit to the region that has been generated during the past three weeks, but there is no doubt the impact has been incredibly positive.

Our support for the gallery and for quality exhibitions has spilled over into coffee shops, accommodation houses and restaurants, and local business has been the big winner.

If you have not viewed the Archibald Prize 08 exhibition, this is a timely reminder to do so.

The show must close on Sunday, June 29, and there has never been a better time to see for yourself what the fuss has been all about and experience regional Australia’s best art gallery than right now.

What do you think?

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