First held in 1971 the art show began as a major fundraiser for the Brighton Recreational Centre where it was originally displayed.
The Rotary Club of Brighton partnered with the Brighton Recreational Centre in 1986 and took over management of the art show.
In order to grow and become more professional it was relocated to the Brighton Town Hall in 1994.
Originally funds raised from the exhibition were used for the sole purpose of providing capital expenditure for equipment and resources for the Recreation Centre that would not be otherwise affordable, however in 2004 an agreement was made between the Brighton Recreational Centre and the Rotary Club of Brighton to share the proceeds of the show with other deserving charities.
The Show is run by a volunteer committee consisting of members of the Rotary Club of Brighton and staff from the Brighton Recreational Centre and is now one of the most successful high yielding art shows of its kind in the country. There are generally over 600 original paintings exhibited and for sale by quality artists from across the country.
The philosophy of the Bayside Art Show is to provide both amateur and professional artists the opportunity to display and sell their paintings whilst at the same time raising valuable funds through the rotary club to assist the local charities and community organisations.
For some years the art show was held at the Sandringham Yacht Club prior to the Brighton Town Hall being renovated.
As the event was postponed for 2 years owing primarily to Covid, the 2023 year therefore becomes the 50th anniversary year of the Bayside Art Show with a return to the Brighton Town Hall.
With 50 years of Rotary service, the Club is very proud of the active local community work, the part played in the International Rotary movement and the awards of excellence received by both the Club and individual members. Currently the club has almost 100 members and is believed to be the largest non-city club in Australia and still growing.
Since 1986 the Rotary Club has worked in partnership with the Brighton Recreational Centre to present the Bayside Art Show with funds raised from the Show assisting many noteworthy causes in the Bayside area.
