Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 2003-04

9 The Queensland Art Gallery's achievements in 2003–04 demonstrate our commitment to developing new programs which attract diverse audiences, reinforce the Gallery's reputation for leadership and innovation in the visual arts, and confirm the Gallery's position as an accessible cultural institution of international standing. Every section of the Gallery was involved in realising the significant 'Story Place: Indigenous Art of Cape York and the Rainforest' exhibition and project, a major highlight of the year. It was satisfying for the Gallery to secure the involvement of several Government agencies and corporate sponsors who assisted the project on many levels — from encouraging art-making in the remote communities of Cape York Peninsula to providing traineeships for young Indigenous arts workers. Their support continues, enabling the Gallery to deliver the exhibition for the enjoyment of audiences in regional centres with the commencement of the seven-venue tour in May 2004. Following the appointment in September 2003 of Bovis Lend Lease as Managing Contractor for the Millennium Arts–Queensland Cultural Centre Project — which includes the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art — construction work began on the site on 6 May 2004. The Gallery has made significant progress this year in preparation and planning for the opening of the Gallery's second site, and Collection development for the new site is ongoing. Several significant works by eminent international artists including Edward Ruscha, Gabriel Orozco, Jun Kaneko, and William Kentridge were acquired. The Gallery announced plans for Australia's first major exhibition of work by influential pop artist Andy Warhol, as one of the exhibitions for the new Gallery of Modern Art in 2007. This will be the first time the full breadth of Warhol's work — painting, printmaking, drawing, film, video, installation, and performance — has been shown in Australia. The new building's cinémathèque will present Warhol's film and video work. The Gallery's focus on film, video and electronic media continued, giving further shape to the programming potential of the new cinémathèque. The first 35mm film was acquired for the Gallery's Collection, by Pacific artist Sima Urale. In February, our largest single gallery space was dedicated to an exhibition of audiovisual works — another first for the Gallery. 'Video Hits: Art & Music Video' investigated the relationship between video art and music video. Intersections between art, music and the moving image were further explored in the Gallery's annual National Youth Week event, Prime, which again proved to be one of the most popular events of the year. Work also began on developing the direction for the Gallery's next 'Asia–Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art', scheduled for late 2006. The last APT, in 2002, was an outstanding success and attracted over 220 000 visitors. Planning is currently underway to ensure the fifth instalment of the APT series of exhibitions achieves similar success for the Gallery. As always, I thank the Gallery's many supporters — our responsive and loyal audiences; Wayne Goss, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Board members for their ongoing support and vision; and Gallery staff for their dedication and commitment. I also gratefully acknowledge our corporate and media sponsors, and individual donors, who have assisted us to realise major exhibitions and projects, and to develop the Collection for the benefit and enjoyment of all Queenslanders and visitors to our state. Doug Hall, AM Director DIRECTOR’S OVERVIEW