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GALLERY PROFILE
QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY ANNUAL REPORT 2007–08 5
Originally established in 1895, the Queensland Art
Gallery opened in its present South Bank premises in
June 1982. In 2006, the Queensland Art Gallery became
a two-site institution. The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA),
the largest art museum in Australia solely dedicated
to modern and contemporary art, opened on 2 December
2006.
Since 1982, more than 12 million people have visited the
Gallery. In this financial year, 541 226 people attended
the Queensland Art Gallery and 763 214 attended the
Gallery of Modern Art. Highlights of the 2007–08 program
were two major international exhibitions, both exclusive
to Brisbane. Attendances of more than 232 000 were
achieved for the 'Andy Warhol' exhibition, which opened
on 8 December 2007 — just one year after GoMA's
opening. The Gallery launched another major
international exhibition, 'Picasso & his collection', on
9 June 2008.
High-profile large-scale projects such as these are part
of a dynamic program of exhibitions and events
presented across both sites, complemented by
interpretive programs and publishing. The program
reflects the opportunities provided by the expanded
and upgraded two-site infrastructure. In addition to
exhibitions organised by the Gallery, the program also
includes displays from the Collection and major new
acquisitions. The Collection, including the internationally
recognised contemporary Asian and Pacific collection,
includes 13 164 works. The Gallery's engagement with
the Asia Pacific region also continues with the ongoing
activities of the Australian Centre of Asia Pacific Art, the
research arm of the Gallery's Asia Pacific activities.
The Australian Cinémathèque is a successful and integral
part of the Gallery's programming. Launched in 2005, the
Cinémathèque is the only one of its kind in an Australian
art museum. The Cinémathèque collects, conserves,
presents and interprets film and screen culture.
Committed to strengthening relationships with
Queensland's Indigenous communities, the Gallery
profiles the artistic practice and cultural life of Indigenous
Australia through its exhibitions, programs and
Collection. The Gallery's Collection comprehensively
represents the vibrant cultural practices of Queensland's
Indigenous artists.
The Gallery's exhibitions and collection displays are
supported by varied and innovative public programs,
and a comprehensive educational program that serves
the needs of a wide range of children as well as schools,
universities and the broader education sector.
The success of the children's exhibitions and programs
has placed the institution at the forefront of children's
programming in art museums worldwide, and the
programs and achievements of the Children's Art Centre
demonstrate the Gallery's commitment to young visitors
and families.
Travelling exhibitions, educational services and
professional development opportunities are provided to
regional and remote Queensland through the Gallery's
Regional Services program. The Queensland Art Gallery
is the only state gallery to provide an ongoing and
comprehensive program of Collection-based travelling
exhibitions and public programs to regional areas as
part of its core business.
The Gallery recognises its capacity to contribute to
Queensland's cultural tourism achievements, and works
in collaboration with tourism sector partners to promote
exhibitions and programs to local, intrastate, interstate
and international audiences.
The Queensland Art Gallery Foundation assists the Gallery
by raising vital funds from individuals and the corporate
sector, and through cultural gifts and bequests, to
support the growth of the Collection and the presentation
of exhibition programs.
GALLERY PROFILE
VISION
Increase quality of life for all Queenslanders through enhanced
access, understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts and develop
Queensland's reputation as a culturally dynamic state.
MISSION
To be the focus for the visual arts in Queensland and a dynamic and
accessible art museum of international standing.
View of Gallery of Modern Art
Photograph: Peter Hyatt