Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 1994-95

PUBLIC PROGRAMS More than I 000 significant items of press, radio and television publicity (interviews, features, reviews) were generated by the Section for local, regional, national and international print, radio and television media. Promotion of the Gallery's centenary commenced with a cake-cutting ceremony by the Director Doug Hall and former Director Raoul Mellish on Wednesday, 29 March, the first day of t he 'Matisse' exhibition and the anniversary of the opening of the first Queensland National Art Gallery in 1895. A supplement was published in Art and Australia magazine to mark the centenary, and other centenary celebrations and events have achieved wide publicity. The Gallery's international exhibitions attracted much interest in the media and the community, which contributed to the high level of attendances and enhanced the Gallery's profile nationally. The promotions campaigns for the 'Renoir .. .' and 'Matisse' exhibitions incorporated highly successful and well-attended media events, including national media previews; local and national advertising, press, radio and television coverage; interstate and regional tourism promotion; direct mail and national distribution of promotional materials; and compe– titions and cooperative promotions by sponsors. Promotional collaboration with sponsors for both exhibitions was outstanding, and served to expand community awareness and interest in the exhibitions. For 'Renoir .. .', Eunos Australia conducted a complementary advertising campaign as well as other activities, Singapore Airlines and The Sunday Mail conducted a major competition, and ITT Sheraton Hotels and Resorts and Ansett Australia assisted the Gallery in a major national competition in The Australian. During 'Matisse' a design competition was conducted with the involvement of Network Ten, Triple M Network, The Courier-Mail, Ansett Australia and ITT Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Singapore Airlines and The Sunday Mail conducted a major competition, Myer presented outstanding window and in-store displays and Ansett Australia conducted travel packages. The Sheraton Brisbane Hotel and Towers conducted a wide range of promotional activities for both exhibitions, including accommodation and food and beverage packages, as well as displays in the hotel. Exhibition advertising was complemented by major media sponsorships. Network Ten and ABC Radio 612 4QR supported 'Renoir ...', Network Ten and Triple M Network supported 'Matisse', while The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail sponsored both exhibitions. Relatives of both artists participated in media coverage. M. Jacques Renoir, the artist's great– grandson was interviewed for national press and television from Renoir's home and studio at Cagnes– Sur-Mer, France and M. Claude Duthuit, Matisse's grandson, attended the exhibition media preview. A promotions and publicity campaign for the Gallery-initiated travelling exhibition 'Fairweather' attracted national and international coverage, and ongoing publicity was undertaken for the range of Gallery 14, Collection-based and other exhibitions. A major promotion of the 'Matisse' exhibition was conducted in regional Queensland and northern New South Wales. Functions were held at Rockhampton City Art Gallery, Mackay City Library, Pere Tucker Regional Gallery in Townsville, Cairns International Hotel, Gold Coast City Art Gallery, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, Lismore Regional Art Gallery, Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum and Bundaberg Art Gallery. These functions generated considerable publicity and goodwill throughout the regions. Community Liaison The Community Liaison Program extended community participation through a variety of innovative promotions. For both the 'Renoir .. .' and 'Matisse' exhibitions an extensive distribution of brochures and posters was undertaken, ensuring high public awareness.