Philip Bacon Galleries 50 Year Anniversary

Thank you so much for your warm welcome, Philip, and what an honour to be here to share this special occasion of your golden anniversary.

The 25th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, 24th Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Dame Bryce AD CVO; Former Chief Justice of Australia, the Honourable Susan Keifel AC KC; Lady Mayoress, Mrs Nina Schrinner; esteemed artists; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

First, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your 50th anniversary celebrations, and of course for the opportunity to speak in the company of so many who have contributed so much to our cultural heritage.

There aren't many places that can lay claim to being a Brisbane 'institution' anymore, especially given the extent and pace of change this city has undergone in recent decades.

However, if there were a list of places with longstanding connections and contributions to this city, its people and its history, Philip Bacon Galleries would feature prominently on it.

Fifty years is a long time to be in business by anyone's measure, but Philip, to have built a reputation and legacy of artistic excellence as impressive as yours is rare indeed.

Not to mention your quite formidable collection of supporters, many of whom are gathered here tonight.

The foundations of your business were, of course, as solid as any based on artistic appetites and insights can be.

Names such as Margaret Olley, Lawrence Daws, Charles Blackman and Robert Dickerson are known in many households across our country and beyond, so to have them in your corner at the inception of Philip Bacon Galleries in 1974 must have been quite a coup.

Our State is well known for its very sizeable appreciation of certain other types of 'cultural' pursuits, including sport and all manner of recreation, and we are very proud of it!

However, Queensland art and artists would not always have had an easy time finding spaces in which to thrive, freely express themselves and create their best works.

For five remarkable decades, you have provided those spaces, primarily here in this beautiful gallery, which has seen an immense variety and volume of artistic works pass through. But also in places as unexpected as with the Queensland Ballet at the Thomas Dixon Centre, with Artist Michael Zavros inspiring a unique collaboration of visual art, music and dance.

Of course, Philip Bacon Galleries is considered to be one of the leading galleries not just in Brisbane, but in Australia.

You have displayed works from many of the country's most collected twentieth century and contemporary artists.

I have already mentioned several, but add to that John Olsen, Rick Amor, Tim Storrier, Cressida Campbell, Peter Churcher, Ray Crooke, William Robinson, Garry Shead, Philip Wolfhagen, John Honeywill, Ralph Heimans, Jude Rae and the list goes on.

The arts sector certainly needs its champions, and for decades you have championed the cause of countless up-and-coming and established artists.

For that, I thank you, as Governor and as a devoted Patron of many organisations supporting artistic and cultural pursuits.

You have created an institution that is indeed part of Brisbane cultural fabric, and may it continue to provide opportunities for artists and those who appreciate them for many years to come.

Thank you.