Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 2001-02

GALLERY PROFILE Established in 1895, the Queensland Art Gallery opened in its present premises in June 1982. Since then, more than 8 650 000 people have visited the Gallery. The Gallery's public program emphasises its Collection and features a diverse series of exhibitions and a comprehensive and lively educational program with an increasing focus on children and youth. The regional services program provides exhibitions and related services to regional Queensland, increasing access to the State Art Collection for all Queenslanders. Increasingly, the Gallery is looking to technology to assist in the efficient and cost-effective delivery of the Collection and programs to its audiences, irrespective of their geographical location. The Gallery's role in helping to build a culturally rewarding relationship with the Asia-Pacific region , by staging cultural events such as the highly successful Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art series of exhibitions, has been, and will continue to be, an important one. This engagement has led to a significant collection of contemporary Asian and Pacific art and recognised expertise in collecting, presenting and interpreting contemporary art of Asia and the Pacific. Private and corporate sponsorship plays a vital role in the Gallery's activities, particularly in the areas of exhibitions, acquisitions and publications. Support from the Queensland Government underpins the Gallery's acquisitions and programs. The Gallery also harnesses opportunities to maximise self-generated income. The Gallery attracts high levels of community support, reflected in attendance figures and the interest shown in the range of programs and services it offers. Queensland·s rapidly expanding and diverse population and its ongoing popularity as a tourist destination provide the potential for even greater future patronage. In May 2000, the Queensland Government announced its plans for the Millennium Arts Project to include the design and construction of the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and in April 2002, following an architect selection competition, Architectus + Davenport Campbell were selected as the successful architects for the new building. The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art is due to open in late 2005. 4