In June 1884, the prominent Ballarat benefactor James Oddie (1824–1911) funded and lent paintings for a public exhibition at the city hall. Soon after, a group of interested citizens held a meeting and decided that a permanent art gallery should be established.
In June 1884, James Oddie, a prominent figure in Ballarat, supported an exhibition of paintings at the city hall. This event prompted a meeting among local residents who ultimately decided to create a permanent art gallery.