Some interesting developments for future Indigenous Art museums….
Premier Bligh thinks differently as far as indigenous art is concerned. In revealing early plans to The Age to build a major gallery devoted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in Queensland – most likely in Cairns – she is opening up another chapter in interstate cultural rivalry.
The NGV is waiting and hoping the Victorian government will go ahead with a $150 million plan to cover the railway yards east of Federation Square so the NGV can build a $200 million suite of galleries or pavilions devoted to its indigenous collection, and also to house art from the Asia-Pacific region.
”We have a plan signed off by our trustees,” NGV director Gerard Vaughan said, pending the state government’s go-ahead.
The Queensland government, meanwhile, wants federal funds to help build its national indigenous museum. Federal Arts Minister Simon Crean told The Age he did not have strong views about the need for a stand-alone gallery devoted to indigenous art.
”All galleries now understand the significance and diversity of Aboriginal art. It’s not all about the dots.”
