If you have not been to the National Cartoon Gallery (formerly known as the Bunker Gallery) in Coffs Harbour since Covid restrictions then you won’t have seen the major changes that were completed in the first quarter of 2021. Known for its original gallery in a World War Two bunker there is now a large gallery space above ground which has more than doubled the space available for exhibitions. It should be noted the Gallery is custodian of the Coffs Cartoon Collection, with well over 23,000 cartoons from leading Australian and international cartoonists including private donations and bequeaths of rare works. It is unique.
The major additions also include a new theatrette and meeting room. Current exhibitions through to May 29 are:
· The Morrison Years Three of Australia’s best known editorial cartoonists, Warren Brown (The Daily Telegraph), David Rowe (The Financial Review) and Cathy Wilcox (Sydney Morning Herald and The Age), have dug through their cartoon archives to bring you an exhibition of works that give their particular/peculiar perspectives, reminding you of what you may have lived through, or maybe of what you missed, in The Morrison Years!
· The Art of Storytelling This ‘mash-up’ exhibition of Comics, Manga, Animation and Anime will reveal the fascinating process of making ART that tells a story full of characters and action that engage and entertain us. There is also a range of animated films from the recent AniMate Film Festival as well as other animated shorts and docos and a large selection of Japanese Manga, including the ever-popular Dragonball and western Comics, from Marvel, MAD, the Phantom and many others on display.
To increase revenue opportunities the new development also included the construction of a café, known as ‘the Precinct at the Bunker.’ It offers the choice of indoor or outdoor dining and the view of the big gum trees from the Terrace is spectacular. A coffee or lunch at the Precinct is a great way to break up a Gallery visit but you can also visit the cafe without paying to view the exhibitions, although it is highly recommended you do both! The Precinct is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 2pm.There is also an amazing shop on the ground floor full of funky and quirky items with the theme of cartoons and cartoon characters
For more information visit https://nationalcartoongallery.com.au/