29 APRIL 2016

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR MAJOR PUBLIC ARTWORK BY A QUEENSLAND INDIGENOUS ARTIST

The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) today announced it would commission a major public artwork by an established Queensland Indigenous artist to be positioned at the entry of GOMA at Kurilpa Point on Brisbane’s South Bank.

QAGOMA Director Chris Saines, CNZM said the Queensland Indigenous Artist Public Art Commission would make a significant addition to the memorable public artworks already situated in the Cultural Precinct by leading Australian and international artists.

‘The work will visibly acknowledge the contribution of Queensland Indigenous artists, the first visual artists to inhabit this region, and the continuous role played by Indigenous Australians in the cultural life of this country,’ Mr Saines said.

‘The commissioned work will become part of the Gallery’s Collection and a permanent statement at the entrance to the Gallery of Modern Art.

'We look forward to the project being completed as part of GOMA’s tenth anniversary celebrations.

'From today until 27 May 2016, we encourage expressions of interest for this commission from Queensland-born Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists with an established international or national practice, who have made a proven contribution to contemporary art,’ Mr Saines said.

A selection panel of highly regarded Indigenous Australians including Keeaira Press Director Michael Aird, QAGOMA Curator of Indigenous Australian Art Bruce McLean, architect Kevin O’Brien and Gallery board member Avril Quaill will join Mr Saines in determining the artist for the commission.

The successful artist will be announced in June following a selection process by the committee.

The Gallery is undertaking an ongoing process of consultation with members of Indigenous communities who identify with the land on which the artwork will be located.

The Department of Aboriginal and Torres Islander Partnerships, Arts Queensland, and the successful artist will be brought into the consultation process.

See www.qagoma.qld.gov.au for more information on the commission.