Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report

38 QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY ANNUAL REPORT 05/06 / initiatives and services programs of assistance / QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY ANNUAL REPORT 05/06 39 To increase accessibility to the Gallery’s Research Library holdings, particularly its collections of Asia–Pacific material, the Library’s catalogue was made available on the Gallery’s website. A database containing extensive information about art prize exhibitions held in Brisbane from 1950 to 1975 was also published online as a valuable aid for researchers. SERVICES TO REGIONAL QUEENSLAND During the year, ‘Streeton: Works from the Queensland Art Gallery Collection’ travelled to seven regional Queensland venues, including the Qantas Founders Outback Museum in Longreach, the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum, Noosa Regional Gallery, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, Dogwood Crossing Art Gallery in Miles, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, and Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery. The eight-venue tour of ‘Queensland Live: Contemporary Art on Tour’ was launched at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum, with an official opening by exhibiting artist Judith Wright in February 2006. ‘Streeton’ was accompanied by a printed room brochure and online education resource kit, while ‘Queensland Live’ was supported by an exhibition catalogue, a printed and online education resource kit, and a webography of resources. Gallery staff continued to provide professional advice and assistance to regional gallery and arts workers throughout the state, especially those venues hosting travelling exhibitions from the Gallery. Staff travelled to each regional venue to assist with the installation and dismantling of ‘Streeton’ and ‘Queensland Live’, and they also travelled to numerous other regional centres to be involved in workshops, lectures, floortalks, consultancy services, and the judging of art awards and prizes. RECONCILIATION The Gallery’s commitment to reconciliation recognises the need to enhance the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of Indigenous people, and the ‘Xstrata Coal Emerging Indigenous Art Award’ exhibition (a three-year commitment by Xstrata Coal) assisted the Gallery in meeting its commitment to reconciliation. Established by the Gallery and Xstrata Coal, this annual acquisitive award and exhibition draws on the talent of emerging urban, regional and remote Indigenous artists working across all media. In 2006, ten artists were short-listed and Jonathan Jones awarded the inaugural $30 000 prize for his work lumination fall wall weave 2004/2006; while the $50 000 annual grant provided by Xstrata Coal enabled the Gallery to acquire 12 art works to form the foundation of the Xstrata Coal Indigenous Art Collection. Curator and artist Brian Robinson and artist Craig Koomeeta continued their roles with the Gallery’s Board of Trustees, while one Indigenous intern employed by the Gallery during the 2004–05 reporting year — in the area of Marketing and Communications — continued their employment at the Gallery. This internship program, initiated in association with the ‘Story Place’ project in 2001–02, demonstrates the Gallery’s commitment to training and employing young Indigenous arts workers. GALLERY MEMBERSHIP Two long-standing organisations perform vital roles for the Gallery — the Foundation engages in fundraising to develop the Gallery’s Collection and exhibition programs, while the Friends of the Gallery fosters and enhances public appreciation of the visual arts. In 2005 the Foundation launched the successful Blackman Art Appeal which added City lights 1952 by distinguished Australian painter Charles Blackman to the Gallery’s Collection. The Foundation also celebrated the 100th birthday of Pablo Picasso’s La Belle Hollandaise 1905 at the Foundation’s Gala Dinner on Saturday 6 August. For full details of the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation operations and activities, please refer to the separate Annual Report produced by the Foundation. Bringing art and people together by actively involving the community in the Gallery’s activities and programs is the objective of the Friends of the Gallery, and the series of planned excursions, ‘Wake up to art!’ presentations, monthly luncheons, and coffee and film mornings ensured members continued to enjoy a fulfilling year of Collection- and exhibition-related events during the year. THE MELVILLE HAYSOM MEMORIAL ART SCHOLARSHIP In memory of Mrs Yvonne Haysom’s late husband, the artist Melville Haysom, the Melville Haysom Memorial Art Scholarship is awarded annually to an emerging Queensland artist under the age of 25. The scholarship provides financial support and access to the Gallery’s resources to assist the recipient to complete a specific body of work. In 2006 the scholarship was awarded to Janice Kuczkowski, who completed Honours at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, in 2005. HOBDAY AND HINGSTON BURSARY Instigated by Florence Emily Hobday in memory of her husband, the artist Percy Stanhope Hobday, and her brother, Arthur James Hingston, the Hobday and Hingston Bursary was awarded to Paul Adair, a graduate from the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. Paul graduated with Honours in Photography in 2005. The bursary is awarded annually to the most promising undergraduate from a Queensland tertiary art course and each recipient receives financial support towards their continued development as an artist. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Gallery’s volunteers are a committed and enthusiastic group who play an important role in the life of the Gallery. Volunteers present interpretive tours of the Collection and special exhibitions; staff the Information Desk; work behind the scenes in the Research Library; assist Marketing, Curatorial, and Friends of the Gallery; and conduct visitor research for audience development purposes. During the reporting year, the Gallery’s volunteers continued to dedicate many hours assisting visitors and staff. PROGRAMS OF ASSISTANCE The Queensland Art Gallery provides assistance and encouragement to young emerging artists, and professional development and employment opportunities for museum professionals and young people seeking a career in the visual arts.