Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 2006-07

chair’s overview / QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY ANNUAL REPORT 06–07 9 Chair's Overview On 1 December 2006, the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) achieved a significant milestone in its history — the Gallery's second site, the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) opened with the fifth instalment of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT5), which was displayed across both buildings. Such a large-scale undertaking involved many years of preparation and planning and to see audiences and critics alike embracing APT5 and GoMA was extremely gratifying. GoMA has been hailed as a benchmark for modern art museum architecture, and has placed Brisbane at the forefront of contemporary art in Australia. We acknowledge Lindsay and Kerry Clare of Architectus, for without their bold and original vision we would not have a building which enriches the experience of visitors and adds significantly to the cultural infrastructure of Queensland. Not to be outshone by GoMA and APT5, the refurbishment and reconfiguration of display spaces in the original Gallery building were also unveiled as part of December's opening celebrations. The inspired new entrance to QAG, designed by the building's original architect Robin Gibson, further enhances a much-loved and celebrated building of Queensland. Realising the achievements of the past year would not have been possible without the immense support of many levels of government and, on behalf of Trustees, Gallery management and staff, I gratefully acknowledge and thank the Queensland Government, specifically Arts Queensland and the Department of Public Works. In addition, sincere thanks must be extended to the Honourable Peter Beattie, MP , Premier of Queensland; the Honourable Rod Welford, MP , Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts; the Honourable Robert Schwarten, MP , Minister for Public Works and Housing and Information and Communication Technology; and Leigh Tabrett, Deputy Director-General, Arts Queensland. We were delighted with record attendance figures for the opening of QAG, GoMA and APT5 — while over 36 000 visitors attended opening weekend celebrations, 380 867 people visited QAG and 373 424 people visited GoMA during the course of APT5. Some 34 per cent of the APT5 audience visited the Gallery for the first time, and 23 per cent of non-Brisbane visitors travelled to the city specifically to attend APT5. These figures are truly satisfying results for all involved. Presenting significant programs as part of APT5 were the Australian Cinémathèque and Children's Art Centre, both of which opened in purpose-built facilities in GoMA. The first of its kind in an Australian art museum, the Australian Cinémathèque presented a number of film programs and displays which have been enthusiastically received by Gallery visitors. Nearly 20 000 people attended programs and screenings for the APT5 film program, Japan Fantastic: Before and Beyond Anime and Hong Kong, Shanghai: Cinema Cities, while the Jackie Chan Media Gallery at GoMA — profiling the work of the charismatic action hero–actor–director — proved a big hit with audiences. Post APT5, Cinémathèque programming continued with the Coming of Age film program which explored this defining genre of Australian cinema. Continuing the Gallery's international leadership in the area of children's programming, for Kids' APT, 13 APT5 artists were invited to create engaging art works and fun activities for children and their families. Along with the APT5 mascot, Scoots the green turtle, and the performances and activities on offer as part of the Kids' APT Summer Spectacular festival, children and their families were well catered for when visiting the Gallery for APT5. Some 126 000 visitors attended activities as part of the Summer Spectacular festival, 13–28 January. The Gallery's long-term commitment to encouraging children's engagement with the visual arts extended to regional audiences for the first time this year when Summer Spectacular – Queensland attracted nearly 6000 participants to 18 regional galleries, libraries and Indigenous communities throughout the state. Also for the first time, the Children's Art Centre introduced Gallery tours for kids. Initially focused on APT5, they have since broadened to encompass Collection displays and are highly popular with parents. I would also like to acknowledge the Gallery's Director of 20 years, Doug Hall. Under Doug's directorship, the Gallery substantially expanded its international programs with major exhibitions of European art and developed a strong engagement with the Asian and Pacific region. On behalf of Trustees and staff, I wish Doug all the best for his future endeavours and welcome new Gallery Director, Tony Ellwood. Tony's experience as the Deputy Director at the two-site National Gallery of Victoria will be invaluable to the ongoing success of QAG and GoMA, and will lead the Gallery into its next exciting phase. In large part, the successes of the past year relied on the vital contribution of staff, so I thank them for their dedication to their work. I trust you enjoy reading of the Gallery's exciting achievements in 2006–07. Wayne Goss, Chair, Board of Trustees Members of the Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees in the Gallery of Modern Art's Indigenous Australian art gallery, pictured with Flying Fox Story Place 2002–03 by Arthur Pambegan Jr and ceramic works by Thanakupi. From left to right: Mr Wayne Goss (Chair) Ms Maureen Hansen Mr Tim Fairfax AM Mr Craig Koomeeta Mr Mark Gray Not pictured: Ms Ann Gamble Myer (Deputy Chair) Ms Katrina McGill Ms Sue Purdon Mr Brian Robinson Professor Michael Wesley OPPOSITE Ai Weiwei China b.1957 Boomerang 2006 Glass lustres, plated steel, electric cables, incandescent lamps 700 x 860 x 290cm (irreg.) Gift of the artist through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2007