QVMAG transforms Royal Park Art Gallery
Media release issued Friday 30 July 2021
As part of its 130th birthday celebrations, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) is today launching a new flagship exhibition at the Art Gallery at Royal Park.
The exhibition, a permanent feature of the gallery, moves away from the colonial and federation narratives towards stories that are more diverse.
Setting a bold new direction for Launceston's premier cultural institution, the exhibition deploys a dynamic and immersive mix of old and new art, which brings the histories, identities and stories of Northern Tasmania into a fresh and contemporary context.
‘In our 130th anniversary year this is QVMAG’s birthday present to the people of Launceston.’ said City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten.
‘This is an exciting new direction for QVMAG, once a colonial gallery now telling contemporary stories about our community, our history and our country.’
QVMAG Acting General Manager of Creative Arts and Cultural Services, Dan Ryan, says that the reinterpretation of the collection reflects a broader trend in cultural institutions globally. ‘We want everyone to feel that they belong at QVMAG and to do that we’ve collaborated with local artists to build a richer and wider story of inclusion.’
‘The exhibition features 19 new acquisitions and nine newly commissioned artworks by leading Australian contemporary artists. As a regional gallery with big ambitions this is a taste of what the future holds for QVMAG.’ Mr Ryan said.
Featuring works that explore local Aboriginal cultures, colonial history and community diversity, this exhibition reflects the ever-changing cultural landscape and our sense of belonging within it.
The exhibition welcomes back some local favourites, Australian icons and hidden gems from the QVMAG collection.
Tasmanian artists are strongly represented across the exhibition with works by Lola Greeno, Julie Gough, Ricky Maynard, Vicki West, Dave Gough, Mish Meijers, Tricky Walsh, Rodney Pople and Mandy Quadrio.
Senior Curator of Visual Arts and Design Ashleigh Whatling says ‘In my time at QVMAG I have actively tried to diversify our collection.’
‘Tasmania has always been diverse, but this story is not front and centre in the public sphere.’
‘This exhibition has come together through consultation and collaboration. This is the first step in an ongoing process, a chance to think about what kind of stories we tell and how they serve us.’
The new exhibition is open to the public at QVMAG Royal Park (2 Wellington Street, Launceston) from 1 August. Free entry from 9am to 4pm daily.