Annual Review 2016

A commendation to QAGOMA from Mr Fumio Kishida, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, recognised the Gallery’s long-term cultural engagement with that country. Presented by Consul-General Mr Hidehiro Hosaka, the commendation acknowledged an ongoing contribution to the enhancement of mutual understanding and the promotion of friendship and goodwill between Japan and Australia. Minister for Multicultural Affairs the Hon Grace Grace, MP , QAG Board of Trustees Chair Prof Sue Street, AO , QAGOMA Director Chris Saines, and Consul-General Mr Hidehiro Hosaka / Photograph: Mark Sherwood During the Advance Queensland Innovation and Investment Summit, which showcases the state’s business potential, Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai paid a visit to GOMA and plated up with our team of chefs. Photograph: Mark Sherwood Coinciding with the Queensland Museum’s World Science Festival , the Australian Cinémathèque program ‘Mind vs Machine: What Makes Us Human?’ considered humanity’s relationship with artificial intelligence; while the Gallery’s conservation labs hosted a Conservator’s Apprentice session, introducing the public to the techniques and technologies that preserve artworks. Photograph: Joe Ruckli Every year as part of Brisbane’s Buddha Birth Day Festival, the Abbess and members of Chung Tian Buddhist Temple perform a special blessing ceremony on Bodhi Tree Terrace outside GOMA in honour of our tree, which is a direct descendent of the ancient tree under which Siddhartha Gautama is said to have reached enlightenment. It was planted at GOMA in 2006 as part of Taiwanese artist Lee Mingwei’s ‘Bodhi Tree Project’. Photograph: Mark Sherwood 14 ▼  REVIEW 2016 REVIEW 2016 ▼ 15 2016 IN REVIEW 2016 IN REVIEW