Page 67 - Annual Review 2008

RElATiONSHiPS/ 67
The Queensland Art Gallery Foundation raises funds
to support the growth of the Gallery’s Collection and
the presentation of exhibitions and programs. In the
2007–08 financial year, the Foundation raised $8.3
million, including donations and bequests; sponsorships
from corporate sponsors, grant agencies and
government bodies; and gifted art works. Also in
2007–08, 287 works were acquired for the Gallery’s
Collection through, or with the support of, the Foundation.
Tim Fairfax, AM, became Foundation President in
January, following the retirement of Sir Bruce Watson,
AC. Sir Bruce made a significant contribution over
the past 22 years, and the Gallery community was
saddened by his passing in November 2008.
Foundation members attended private viewings of
major exhibitions throughout the year. The Annual
Dinner in May was attended by more than 200
members including, as special guest, the outgoing
Foundation Patron, now Australia’s Governor-General,
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC. Her successor
as Foundation Patron is Governor of Queensland, Her
Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley, AO.
As 2008 came to a close, the Foundation launched
the successful ‘Contemporary Australia: Optimism’
appeal. The appeal invited supporters to assist with
the purchase of works that had been selected for
‘Optimism’ and identified as key acquisitions for the
Gallery’s contemporary Australian collection.
The appeal also sought support for Children’s Art
Centre artist projects being developed for ‘Optimism’.
Outstanding acquisitions made possible through the
Foundation in 2008 included:
• A series of important contemporary international
acquisitions, assisted by Tim Fairfax, AM, and Gina
Fairfax; these include works by Candice Breitz,
William Eggleston, Tobias Putrih, Beat Streuli and
Yvonne Todd.
• A major addition to the historical Australian collection;
the purchase of Eugene von Guérard’s A view from
Daylesford towards the Pyrenees c.1864, made
possible with the support of Brisbane gallery director
Philip Bacon, AM, who is also a Special Patron of the
Foundation.
• An important work by emerging artist Tony Albert,
Sorry 2008, was acquired with assistance from James
Sourris. The work showed in ‘Contemporary
Australia: Optimism’.
• A 17th-century work Pair of six fold screens: Birds
and flowers of the four seasons, and a group of
Chinese ceramics, were acquired for the Gallery’s
historical Asian collection, with the continued support
of Henry Bartlett, CMG , OBE.
Left: Tim Fairfax, AM , President, Queensland Art Gallery Foundation, speaks about the
'Contemporary Australia: Optimism' appeal. Photograph: Ray Fulton
Above left: Her Excellency the Governor of Queensland Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, and Philip
Bacon, AM , at the annual Foundation dinner, May 2008. Photograph: Ray Fulton
Above right: Foundation members and guests hear from m3architecture’s Michael Banney
at a viewing of ‘Place Makers: Contemporary Queensland Architects’, August 2008.
Photograph: Natasha Harth