Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 2002-03

CHAIRMAN'S OVERVIEW 2002-03 has seen standout exhibition and programming achievements by the Queensland Art Gallery, and sustained strategic development towards its expansion to a two-site institution. The diverse appeal and profile of the Gallery's exhibitions, programs and events was reflected in the attendance of almost 450 000 people during 2002-03. This total had not been reached since Brisbane was in the international spotlight for World Expo '88, and is evidence of the success of the Gallery's core philosophy of connecting art and people. This year's highlight was the overwhelmingly successful 'Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art 2002' (APT 2002). The fourth exhibition in the Gallery's flagship contemporary art series entered its second decade with a new concept and curatorial direction. For the first time in the Triennial series, a comprehensive body of work by a select group of artists was presented, providing the opportunity for audiences to explore the breadth of each artist's practice. The positive reception to this new direction and the many other substantial components of the project - 'Kids' APT and related children's programming, the major performance event by the Pasifika Divas, the exhibition publication, and educational and interpretive programs - was gratifying. At the exhibition's closing on 27 January, the unprecedented attendance of 220 000 people was convincing evidence of the exhibition's broad public appeal, in addition to its critical success both nationally and internationally. Through the innovative and targeted programming of projects such as APT2002, the children's exhibition 'Colour', and the major youth event 'Prime Two', the Gallery has continued to successfully attract new audiences. The success of APT 2002 consolidated the Gallery's position as a leader in col lecting and interpreting contemporary visual art of the Asia-Pacific region, and promoting understanding of cultures in the region. This engagement with contemporary art of the Asia- Pacific will be a central activity of the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. Development towards this much– anticipated expansion has continued to be the long– term goal underpinning the Gallery's operations. 6 The many achievements of the Gallery detailed in this report would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the Queensland Government. I take this opportunity to thank the Honourable Premier Peter Beattie, MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for Trade; the Honourable Matt Foley MP, Minister for the Arts and Minister for Employment, Training and Youth; and Arts Queensland. I also extend my sincere gratitude, on behalf of the Trustees, to the Gallery's numerous corporate sponsors and private donors, without whom it would not be possible to present the exhibitions and programs to the level of excellence we do, nor continue the vital expansion of the Gallery's Collection. I wish to acknowledge the Gallery's Director, Doug Hall, and his dedicated and highly skilled staff, for their vision and determination in making the Gallery a truly dynamic and accessible art museum of international standing. I also thank my colleagues on the Board of Trustees and farewell outgoing members, Judith Wright and Cheryl Leavy, for their contribution, and welcome new Trustees, Maureen Hansen and Judy Watson. Finally, it is with sadness that I acknowledge the death in November 2002 of the Indigenous artist Ron Hurley, who served as a Gallery Trustee in 1996-97. Wayne Goss Chairman Board of Trustees Membersof the Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees and the Director, Doug Hall in the Exhibitions studio with the 'Story Place: Indigenous Art of Cape York and the Rainforest' exhibition model. From left to right: Mr Doug Hall (Director), MsSue Purdon, Ms Katrina McGill, MsJudy Watson, Mr Tim Fairfax, Mr Wayne Goss (Chairman), Mr Mark Gray, Ms Maureen Hansen, Mr Brian Robinson, Dr Morris Low, MrsAnn Gamble Myer (Deputy Chair).