Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 2001-02

HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS 6 Appointed Architectus + Davenport Campbell as the architects for the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art following an internationally advertised architect selection competition which attracted 174 entries from 24 countries. Announced the continuation of the Gallery·s flagship contemporary art event, the Asia– Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT], which will open on 12 September 2002. APT 2002 will feature innovative elements in curatorial approach and public programming. Initiated, curated and organised the first major retrospective exhibition of work by William Robinson, one of Australia·s most distinguished contemporary artists. The exhibition drew critical acclaim and public support, attracting over 142 ODO visitors to its showings at the Queensland Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Attracted more than 92 ODO visitors during the 2001 summer holidays to the children·s exhibition, ·Play°, making it the most popular children·s exhibition to date. The opening celebration was attended by nearly 4000 people, and the innovative exhibition design featured many engaging and interactive elements. Further developed the ·story Place: Indigenous Art of Cape York and the Rainforest° exhibition, which will bring the art of the remote Cape York region to national and international attention for the first time. Contributed to national celebrations for the 2001 Goodwill Games through the presentation of three major exhibitions by significant Australian artists, and for the 2002 Year of the Outback through the travelling exhibition ·Exploring Outback: Artists· Responses to Life on the Land·. Attracted over 4000 people to ·Prime·, a multi-arts event for youth to celebrate National Youth Week 2002. Organised and presented the first Queensland Art Gallery travelling exhibition specifically designed to appeal to a youth audience - ·otherworlds: Images of Fantasy and Fiction·. The exhibition·s seven-venue tour of regional Queensland began in early 2002 and will conclude with a presentation at the Gallery itself in 2003. Purchased the significant painting, Church interior c. 1941-42, by Australian modernist Grace Cossington Smith, with funds raised through a successful public appeal staged by the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation. 113 donors contributed to the campaign and the work was acquired in late 2001. Acquired TV cello 2000, an important work by pioneering multimedia artist Nam June Paik for The Kenneth and Yasuko Myer Collection of Contemporary Asian Art. Attracted more than 475 ODO visitors to over 40 temporary, travelling and Collection-based exhibitions staged at the Gallery, throughout regional Queensland and interstate. Increased by 75% attendances at public programs compared to the previous financial year. Increased by 19% the number of educational, social and interpretive programs offered to the general public, with a special focus on programming for children and youth. Used Internet and new media technologies to increase audience engagement with Gallery exhibitions and programs. Achievements included the successful re-design of the Gallery·s website, continued growth of the artmail e-bulletins, and production of numerous video documentaries and special websites as means of communicating about art to a diverse range of audiences.