QAGOMA Foundation Annual Dinner 2023

QAGOMA Foundation President, Mr Tim Fairfax AC and Mrs Gina Fairfax AC; Foundation Committee Members; Queensland Art Gallery Board Chair, Professor Emeritus Ian O’Connor AC and Trustees; QAGOMA Director, Mr Chris Saines CNZM; Gallery Members; benefactors; 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, and to all First Nations people here this evening. I also thank Tribal Experiences for their Welcome to Country.

As proud Patrons of the QAGOMA Foundation, Graeme and I are always delighted to have the opportunity to visit this magnificent facility, and thank those who bring the beauty and power of art to so many people.

Tonight’s special annual dinner is a time for us to celebrate this past year’s successes—spearheaded by the blockbuster exhibition “Air” and the major exhibitions of remarkable Australian contemporary artists, Michael Zavros and eX de Medici.

Alongside the big events, are the many fascinating activities and programs that demonstrate the diversity of ways in which QAGOMA is engaging visitors.

Through the dynamic use of collections—such as the Indigenous works used in GOMA’s “Gone Fishing” exhibition—tours, movies, interactive experiences and artist conversations, there is no doubt that art is well and truly transcending the canvas.

Significantly, these multiple outlets for artistic expression—many of which are free— enable people of all ages and backgrounds to access art in ways that are meaningful to them—encouraging the exploration of complex issues and concepts that might otherwise remain unexamined.

Art raises questions, generates debate, challenges and inspires.

It helps us understand ourselves, and our place in the world.

And art, of course, is also incredibly thrilling—I know that there are many Queenslanders eagerly awaiting the opening of “Fairy Tales” in early December, which promises to be a stunning visual and sensory adventure into enchanted worlds.

It is your loyal and generous support of the QAGOMA Foundation that makes all of this possible.

It is only through your valuable contributions that the Foundation is able to build the Collection, deliver inclusive, innovative initiatives that surprise and delight, and enable our State to play host to more unique, groundbreaking exhibitions that attract thousands from far and wide.

QAGOMA would not be the world-class institution it is today without the mighty work of the Foundation and its benefactors, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, Graeme and I express our heartfelt gratitude to you all.

I also take this opportunity to wish the QAGOMA Board, staff, and volunteers continuing success—I am sure that “Fairy Tales” will bring special magic to Gallery spaces over the coming months.

We hope you enjoy tonight’s event, in this amazing setting.