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STATE ART COLLECTION
The Gallery's purpose is to preserve, interpret, display and acquire the visual arts from the past and the present with an emphasis on the art of Western Australia and Indigenous art.
The State Art Collection comprises 16,500 works in a range of media including painting, sculpture, craft and design, watercolours, drawings, photography and prints. Indigenous art is a highlight, providing a comprehensive overview of traditional and contemporary art from Western Australia, the Central Desert and Arnhemland. The Collection has pre-eminent holdings of Western Australian art, craft and design from 1829 to the present.
Acquisition Policy 2009-2013
The State Art Collection supports the Gallery mission to increase the knowledge and appreciation of the arts of Australia, the Indian Ocean Rim and beyond for the enjoyment and cultural, artistic, educational and intellectual enrichment of the people of Western Australia and of its visitors. The Gallery aspires to develop the finest public art collection of Western Australian art in the State.
The purpose of the Collection is to ensure that primary access to art, heritage and ideas locally, nationally and internationally is preserved now and for future generations through Collection development, care and display.
The priority is to develop a comprehensive collection of Western Australian art and design; develop representative collections of nationally significant Australian art and design, and acquire a highly selective representation of international art and design. International works will add breadth and develop key strengths in the Collection and/or contextualise the achievements in Western Australian and Australian art and design.
The Gallery places a high priority on the purchase of the art of today to create a legacy for future generations. The three priority areas for acquisition are listed in priority order:
Western Australian
The Art Gallery of Western Australia strives to acquire Western Australian Historical, Modern, Contemporary and Indigenous art and design in comprehensive depth.
Australian Art
Purchases will represent nationally significant Australian artists. The State Art Collection seeks to represent Australian Historical, Modern, Contemporary and Indigenous art and design in substantial depth.
International Art
International purchases will be highly selective and seek to represent high points of individual achievement from artists of international significance, influence and impact on Australian visual art. Priority will be given to works which parallel the history and provide context for Western Australian and Australian art and design in the contemporary period.
