Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 1996-97

The Education Section collaborated with Library staff to develop a To facilitate Gallery-wide access to the Library's databases, the network Queensland Art Gallery Web-site which was inaugurated in May. The site version of DB/Te>tworks, the windows-based upgrade to the Library's included a special feature on the second Triennial available in an expanded Inmagic software, was loaded on the Local Area Network, and both the form as an Intranet site within the exhibition. A presentation on the use Asia-Pacific artists and Triennial project databases were converted to the of the CD-ROM education kit available with the 'Paris. . .' exhibition was new software. Work on conversion of the remaining databases is continuing. a feature of the teachers night held in association with the exhibition. A database using DB/Textworks was also designed to assist the project An audience response program that encouraged visitors to comment on team with the organisation and development of the forthcoming Aboriginal works in the Collection was a popular addition to the interpretive activities art exhibitions: 'Emily Kame Kngwarreye—Alhalkere--Paintings from Utopia' provided by Education staff. Other interpretive activities continued with and 'Pathways 2—Trade Routes'. the presentation of performances and lectures related to the temporary exhibition program. A series of special focus floortalks was presented by The Gallery's Web-site was expanded to include notes on countries and Gallery staff and a visiting academic during the 'Arthur Streeton...' artists featured in the second Triennial, and Library and Education staff exhibition. regularly updated information on the site. The application of further resources will create an outstanding site which will enable the Gallery to An ongoing, free monthly film program which complemented the exhibition reach a wider audience. program was coordinated by the Section. Films were specifically selected to support the second Triennial in addition to the screening of artist's Internet-based resources increasingly formed part of the Library's research videos from the Asia-Pacific region during the exhibition. A special season and reference services, with Internet training sessions provided to Gallery of French films was selected and screened outdoors to accompany the staff. Two major research publications, the thirty-four volume Dictionary exhibition 'Paris . . .', attracting a regular and appreciative audience. of Art (Macmillan, 1996) and Wilson's Art Index on CD-ROM were purchased. The Volunteer Guide training program was enhanced by the inclusion of Protection and Services Officers regularly provided administrative assistance tutorials and practical workshops, leading to an increased awareness of to the Library, as did the Library's team of volunteers who provide a range artists' techniques and knowledge of the Collection. of valuable services in relation to indexing, filing and processing of resources. The Gallery workshop program offered children a diverse range of activities Research in conjunction with exhibitions. Students created painted silk parachutes Continued research into the many significant recent purchases for the during 'Paris . . .' and batiks with the second Triennial. In addition, workshops contemporary Asian collection and the expansion of the Asia-Pacific in paper-making, jewellery, sculpture and printmaking were filled to capacity. research collection and database has established a direction creating an Workshops for adult students in figure drawing were offered during the international profile for the Gallery. 'Paris.. .' exhibition. In preparation for the exhibition on Asian and Australian modernism Research and Publications Sub-Program planned for 2000, research commenced on the development of a comprehensive bibliography on the Asian component Essays commissioned Library from a group of international experts to outline periods of interest, notable The Library continued to play an integral role in Collection research and artists and selected major texts provided a basis for the ongoing development exhibition development through the delivery of information services, with of this important exhibition. This preparatory work will continue with a a major focus in 1996 on supporting the second Triennial. The Library's part-time researcher working in collaboration with curatorial staff to define contribution to the second Triennial included the development of artist the content of the exhibition and contact databases, the continued acquisition and documentation of resources for curatorial research, and the creation of an Internet site in Publications cooperation with the Education Section. Catalogues, pamphlets and resource kits were produced to document, interpret and enhance the public's enjoyment of art works on display from There was continued expansion of the research collection on the both the Gallery's and other collections. These publications accompanied contemporary art of the Asia-Pacific region, for the ongoing research and exhibitions, both in-house and travelling, and focused on individual artists, development of the Triennial; the Gallery's permanent Collection; and art from particular regions, and specific art historical periods and styles. other Gallery initiatives, such as the forthcoming Asian and Australian modernism exhibition. Resources and archives on artists and art works The Collection continues to be the focus of publications. Essays for the in the Collection were expanded through research and publication on the Australian art collection book have been received and, following editing Collection. and production, the Gallery plans to release this major publication in 1998.