As custodians of the Manning Regional Art Gallery Collection, the MidCoast community is now the proud owner of Anh Do’s stunning Without my make up portrait, which was a finalist in last year’s Manning Art Prize exhibition.

The work now becomes part of a collection of almost 320 artworks, housed in the Manning Regional Art Gallery and in MidCoast Council chambers.

“It’s a fantastic cultural asset for the MidCoast community, and one of only around 30 regional public collections across the State,” community spaces and services director Paul De Szell said.

“The donation was made possible through the Federal Cultural Gifts Program, designed to assist in recognising the importance of collecting Australia’s culturally valuable artworks.”

As a highly-acclaimed Australian author, actor, comedian and artist, Anh Do was delighted to contribute to the Manning Regional Art Gallery collection.

“’I was thrilled to be a finalist in the Manning Art Prize and so when the curator asked me if I would consider donating the painting to the gallery I thought, why not!

“I ove the Manning region and look forward to visiting your beautiful gallery.”

Artworks in the Manning Regional Art Gallery Collection are regularly featured at the gallery throughout the year, most recently in January.

For information on other gallery events and upcoming exhibitions, visitwww.manningregionalartgallery.com.au