QAGOMA Foundation Christmas Celebration

QAGOMA Foundation President, Mr Tim Fairfax AC and committee members; Chair of the Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Ian O’Connor AC and fellow Trustees; QAGOMA Director, Mr Chris Saines CNZM; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians 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 tonight.

Graeme and I are delighted to be with you all this evening, amongst the incredible people who are so committed to promoting creative expression in our State.

As Joint Patrons of the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation, we share your passion and enthusiasm for the visual arts, which, through myriad forms, have tremendous power to tantalise, entertain, and inform.

2024 has well and truly ticked all of those boxes!

From the mysterious beauty of “Fairy Tales”, and the multi-sensory experience of “Sculpting the Senses” to exploring the rich cultural connections represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art through “Seeds and Sovereignty”, and a showcase of the works of renowned First Nation’s artist, Judy Watson—this year has certainly been one to remember.

Add to this, the newly opened sensation that is the 11^th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT), and the many other paid and free exhibitions, activities and events that have taken place during the year, and I’m sure you will agree, 2024 has brought joy to many…

In fact, it is this quest for accessibility—both at home and through its touring programs—that has made QAGOMA such an iconic institution—one which is much cherished by Queenslanders, and which has become a must-see destination for tourists.

Graeme and I wholeheartedly congratulate Director, Chris Saines, and the entire QAGOMA team for bringing us another exceptional year.

Yet, of course, all of these wonderful initiatives would not be possible, without the outstanding generosity of all of you—the very special members of the QAGOMA Foundation who help provide the funds and support needed to allow the two galleries to expand their collections and develop their programs.

Your support also means that QAGOMA can embrace new opportunities.

Last year Graeme and I were fortunate to visit the Victoria & Albert Museum in London to view the site where, in 2026, an international audience will gain a taste of the APT gems gathered over the years. This partnership will be significantly beneficial both for our artists, and for QAGOMA’s global credentials, particularly as we look towards the 2032 Olympics.

It is only through your valuable contributions that the benefits of art can enrich our State’s cultural health so successfully, and so, on behalf of the people of Queensland, we thank the Foundation and all of you, for your vision and altruism, and we wish you and your families a safe and happy festive season.