Frequently asked questions
Times and Charges
Q. When is the Gallery open?
A. 10am–5pm Wednesday - Mondays. We are also closed on Tuesdays, as well as Christmas Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day.
Q. Is there an entry charge?
A. No, admission to the Gallery is free. However, there may be an admission charge for special exhibitions.
Q. Why is there a charge for entry into some exhibitions?
A. The cost of bringing exhibitions from interstate or overseas is supported by revenue generating programs (entry fees, functions, etc) and sponsorship. In turn, this income supports the Art Gallery of Western Australia's ability to present a diverse range of exhibitions.
Q. Do carers have to pay entry to special exhibitions?
A. No, entry is free for carers accompanying a disabled visitor. Companions cards are also accepted.
Exhibitions & Events
Q. When does the Art Gallery of WA hold ART IN BLOOM?
ART IN BLOOM is a event run by the Friends of the Art Gallery and it is a biennial event, i.e. it is held every two years. The next ART IN BLOOM is scheduled over the weekend of Friday 17 to Sunday 19 September 2010.
In 2008, more than 100 Western Australian became "floral artists" using thousands of flowers and plants to create arrangements inspired by works from the State Art Collection. ART IN BLOOM remains the only event of its kind in Australia and is a rare opportunity to see and experience art in a completely different light.
ART IN BLOOM is a ticketed event with proceeds raised used by the Friends of the Art Gallery to assist with acquiring new artworks for the State Art Collection.
Tours
Q. Does the Gallery conduct guided tours?
A. Yes. The Gallery schedules free, public Wesfarmers Arts Walk-in Tours of the Collection and Exhibitions every day of the week excluding Mondays. Tours change monthly... more
Q. Can the Gallery provide a special tour for my group?
A. Customised tours can be arranged through our Public Programs office. Our tours are free but require a 2 week notification period. Click here to go to the Booking page.
Volunteers
Q. Do you have a volunteer program?
A. 150 invaluable volunteers currently contribute to the day-to-day smooth running of busy Art Gallery. Their assistance with Information Desk, Tours and Education services is supported by the Gallery's on-going volunteer training schemes. The Gallery recruits volunteers annually. For more information see the Volunteers page.
Conservation & Artwork Valuation
Q. Does the Art Gallery sell works of art?
A. No, the Art Gallery of Western Australia is not a commercial art gallery.
Q. Can you value my art work?
A. No. We suggest you contact a commercial art gallery or an art dealer - these are listed in the Yellow Pages telephone book under Auctioneers. Alternatively you might like to download this document from the Federal Department of Communications, IT and the Arts: Approved Valuers pdf
Q. Can you repair my art work?
A. No. The Art Gallery staff cannot advise or repair/conserve your work of art. However, you might like to look at the following websites for information regarding the conservation of artworks:
- The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material http://www.aiccm.org.au/index.aspx
- Stanford University: http://stanford.edu (search under conservation)
For information concerning museum best practice: http://www.amol.org.au
Research
Q. I need information for a school assignment on a Western Australian artist can you help?
A. No. Our Library is not for general public use/access. We recommend you source information via your own local library or the Internet. The metropolitan university libraries at Curtin and The University of Western Australia have comprehensive art libraries. You do not have to be a student of the University to use them for research purposes, only if you want to borrow a book.
The following art directories are available at the State Library of Western Australian (Alexander Library):
- The Dictionary of Art - Ed. Jane Turner, 1996: 34 volumes
- The Oxford Dictionary of Art - Ed. Ian Chilvers & Harold Osborne, 1997.
If the information you seek concerns a living artist, their details may be listed with either Artsource – PH +61 8 9226 2122 or in the Community Arts & Culture Directory, which is part coordinated through Community Arts Network PH +61 8 9226 2422.
General
Q. What’s on display?
A. The State Art Collection has over 16,000 artworks, of which approximately 10% are on display in the gallery at any one time. Displays may include paintings, prints, sculpture, photography and craft. The Gallery has both historical and contemporary works, and an excellent display of Indigenous art. Collection displays are rotated regularly and are supported by a program of temporary exhibitions.
Q. Why can’t I take photographs?
A. Works on display in our Galleries are subject to copyright restrictions which preclude photography. Conservation considerations also apply.
Q. Why can’t I take in my water bottle?
A. Food and beverage are not permitted in the exhibition galleries. This precaution ensures that our works of art are protected against accidental and costly damage.
Q. Why are some works behind glass?
A. Touching artwork can damage it. Whilst the glass prevents visitors from handling our works of art, it also acts as one of the Gallery's security strategies; preserving works for future generations.
Q. Why is it so cold?
A. The temperature within the Gallery is maintained at specific levels in order to keep the works of art in good condition. These levels accord with international art museum standards.
Q. Can I sketch in the Gallery?
A. Yes, however chalk-based products and charcoal are not permitted in the Gallery spaces as dust picked up by the air-conditioning may damage artworks. Permission for “wet sketching” - the use of oils, acrylics and watercolour paints - must be obtained in advanced by contacting the Public Programs Office on +61 8 9492 6644. The maximum size sketchbook allowed in the Gallery is the A3 size.
Q. Does the Gallery conduct art classes?
A. No, the Gallery does not organise art classes. We suggest that you contact your local council with regard to recreational art class programs, or alternately contact a commercial art school.
