BRAG will reopen on Tuesday, June 9, and the community will be welcomed back with a rare insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes at the gallery, with the BRAG collection serving as its centrepiece.

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The project, called ARtCOLLECT, was originally slated for 2021, but BRAG curator Sarah Gurich said the COVID-19 downtime has allowed the gallery to fast-track the process.

"ARtCOLLECT is the first step in transferring the BRAG collection to the $4.6 million Central West Collections Facility, which is due to open in October next year," Ms Gurich said.

"The collection comprises over 2000 works, and this is an invaluable opportunity for the community to observe Bathurst's art history and how gallery staff go about exhibition preparation behind the scenes."

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Ms Gurich said a fascinating process is involved in the management and cataloguing of artworks and through ARtCOLLECT, visitors will gain a further insight into the role of curators.

"There's a tireless amount of work involved in the preservation and management of artworks that members of the public may not be aware of," she said.

"Visitors will be able to observe gallery staff as they catalogue, photograph, digitise and compile condition reports for each item in the collection."

The BRAG collection includes works from esteemed local and Australian artists, and features everything from paintings and drawings to photography and sculptures.

Ms Gurich said many collection items have not been on display for decades.

"The collection started in 1955, so there's a great chance visitors many never have seen some of these artworks," she said.

"We're showcasing the entire collection 'rack by rack' over eight weeks, so chances are new artworks will be on display every couple of days."

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The program will feature four highlight exhibitions: Olde Masters [Lloyd Rees and Graham Lupp], Dynamic Duos [Jean Bellette and Paul Haefliger; Frank and Margel Hinder], Celebraton of Colour and Hill End Highlights.

Ms Gurich said BRAG will reopen under COVID-safe conditions, and are in the process of reorganising their exhibition program.

"We've had to cancel a lot of touring exhibitions, but this has freed us up to bring forward exhibitions featuring some of our outstanding local artists," she said.

"We're very excited to welcome people back, the downtime has ensured we're well prepared."