The gallery's collection has a strong emphasis on British and European Continental 19th-century painting, with works by Ernest Waterlow and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes among others.

Australian work from the 19th century onwards is also well represented, including Charles Conder and Arthur Streeton.

It was founded by former Family Court judge and Olympic rower, Paul Guest OAM QC in 2010.

[10] Winners include:[10] Karen Quinlan was director of Bendigo Art Gallery from around 2000 to 2018, and curator for three years before that.

[15] Cadorin was an Italian-born American, but was married to an Australian contralto, Erna Mueller, who trained at the Bendigo Conservatory.