The TAMA Collection comprises an extensive survey of contemporary (post-1970s) textile and fibre art practices in Australia, alongside key international influences.

While the primary focus of the TAMA Collection is textile and fibre art, there is an allowance within the Gallery’s Acquisition Policy to acquire artworks of local relevance and significance. In 2022 and 2023, works were acquired by four artists local to the Ararat region: Nanette Bourke, John Eagle, Stan Kelly and Carole Mules.

Ararat Gallery was established in 1968 as a few small rooms in the Old Municipal Offices of the Ararat Town Hall. The specialisation of the TAMA Collection takes inspiration from Ararat’s historical association with fine merino wool production.

During the Ararat Arts Precinct Redevelopment Project, completed in August 2018, the Gallery doubled its exhibition and collection spaces. In recognition of its significant textile collection, it was renamed Ararat Gallery TAMA – Textile Art Museum Australia.