Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 2001-02

CHAIRMAN 'S OVERVIEW It has been another year of outstanding achievements by the Queensland Art Gallery. In an important milestone in the development of the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, the architectural team of Architectus + Davenport Campbell was selected to design the new building, as a result of the international selection competition conducted during the year in review. It was appropriate that the exhibition of the competition·s five short-listed designs opened on 21 June, the twentieth anniversary of the Gallery·s existing building. The Queensland Art Gallery looks forward to working with Architectus + Davenport Campbell to develop what will be the second largest public art museum in Australia, and an important cultural landmark for Queensland and Australia. The Gallery has focused on collection development, exhibitions and programs for the new gallery that will respond to new initiatives. Increased funding allocated to the Gallery by the Queensland Government in the 2002-03 State Budget will enable this work to take place. This funding is gratefully acknowledged. During 2001-02 the Gallery announced the fourth Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art [APT]. APT 2002 continues the Gallery·s role as a major contributor to the exhibition and discussion of contemporary art, and promises to provide unique experiences for those with a passion for contemporary art, and for children, families and youth from diverse cultural backgrounds. The fourth Triennial will further the development of the Australian Centre of Asia-Pacific Art, to be housed in the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. The Centre will be the focus for the Gallery·s Asia-Pacific programs, especially in the areas of research, collection and exhibition development, the establishment of creative partnerships and alliances, publishing and scholarship, and the provision of residencies, internships and public programs. Significant progress was made towards the exhibition "Story Place: Indigenous Art of Cape York and the Rainforest". Scheduled for display at the Queensland Art Gallery from July to September 2003, the exhibition will bring the art of the remote Cape York region to national and international attention for the first time. A cornerstone of the project is an innovative training initiative whereby five young Indigenous Queenslanders commenced a twelve-month 8 traineeship with the Gallery, funded by the Queensland Government Department of Employment and Training. This program provides an opportunity for the trainees to contribute to this exhibition and gain valuable experience towards pursuing a career in the arts. The Gallery·s significant achievements during the year would not have been possible without the committed and enthusiastic assistance of our many supporters and audiences. I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the Queensland Government; Premier and Minister for Trade, the Honourable Peter Beattie, MP; and Minister for Employment, Training and Youth and Minister for the Arts, the Honourable Matt Foley, MP. I would also like to thank the Gallery"s numerous corporate and private sponsors and donors for their invaluable financial and philanthropic support. Finally, I would like to acknowledge my colleagues on the Board of Trustees, and the Director, staff and volunteers of the Queensland Art Gallery for their expertise and ongoing dedication to enriching the lives of all Queenslanders. Wayne Goss Chairman Board of Trustees