The collection held on behalf of the community by SECCA has been built over decades. Historically the collection was pioneered by the Bega Valley Arts and Crafts Society in the 1960’s. Additions to the contemporary collection have grown over recent years through gifts from artists, collectors and members of the community.

The SECCA collection focus is on Australian living artists and any emerging artists who exhibit potential and explore themes relevant to contemporary visual culture. The priority area is focused on First Nations practice, contemporary portraiture and landscape.

SECCA collects, promotes, preserves, researches and interprets its collection through exhibition and documentation. SECCA develops its collection holdings in accordance with current museum standards.

SECCA receives no government funding to add to the collection. The newly formed SECCA Foundation has been formed to support the collections maintenance and fundraises to purchase works.