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The Queensland Art Gallery Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)has set a new record for visitor numbers in 2017 with an attendance of more than 2.17 million.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the result was an outstanding achievement for the state’s flagship art gallery, exceeding its previous calendar-year record of 1.8 million in 2010.
“Queensland can be rightly proud of QAGOMA, which has cemented its place as one of Australia’s pre-eminent and most exciting art institutions,” Ms Enoch said.
“Last year’s record-breaking attendance was boosted by a stellar program which included the celebration of GOMA’s 10th birthday, the blockbuster Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe, and exhibitions by two of the world’s most renowned living artists, Gerhard Richter and Yayoi Kusama.
“Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe attracted more than 269,000 visitors, itself a record for a ticketed exhibition at QAGOMA. |
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“I congratulate the gallery on its spectacular attendance, a reflection of its ability to create innovative and breathtaking experiences that welcome local, interstate and overseas audiences, and drive cultural tourism outcomes for our state.
Ms Enoch said 2018 was set to be another strong year for the gallery, featuring some highly anticipated exhibitions that will continue to push boundaries and delight audiences.
“QAGOMA’s rich forward program is supported by the Queensland Government’s reinstatement of up to $10.8 million over four years for blockbusters and major exhibitions,” Ms Enoch said.
“The Marvel exhibition was the first show staged under this blockbuster funding, and the second will be Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection, which will occupy the entire ground floor of GOMA from 24 March to 5 August.
“This will be the most ambitious exhibition to date of work by the world-renowned Australian artist, known for her imaginative hybrid creatures.
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“QAGOMA will also stage the 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, featuring new and significant art from across the region, from 24 November 2018 to 28 April 2019.”
QAGOMA Director Chris Saines said the record numbers marked a major milestone for the gallery.
“This is a new record for us, and a direct result of our strong exhibition programming, which also included the newly re-imagined Australian Collection at QAG and Sung Into Being, a beautiful exhibition of Aboriginal masterworks from the Janet Holmes à Court Collection,” Mr Saines said.
“In September we unveiled our newly reconfigured Australian art collection with a display of more than 200 historical and contemporary works, including an extensive display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works, as well as major new commissions.
“Now that Picasso: The Vollard Suite has opened at QAG, and the Me, Myselfie and I interactive space has launched at GOMA’s Children’s Art Centre, we are so thrilled that all spaces in both buildings are open to the public.
“There is also still time for people to see Gerhard Richter: The Life of Images, which continues until 4 February, and to experience Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of Rainbow, which is on until 11 February.”
Tickets for Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection are on sale now through qagoma.qld.gov.au
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