Art and culture experts to lead National Aboriginal Art Gallery Reference Group

Prominent art and culture experts - Franchesca Cubillo and Dr Gerard Vaughan - will lead the National Aboriginal Art Gallery Reference Group as it enters a new two-year term.

Cubillo and Dr Vaughan will continue in their roles as co-chairs from the previous term, alongside nine new appointees and one other re-appointed member.

The Reference Group members bring a wealth of high-level expertise in contemporary and traditional Aboriginal art across all mediums including digital, museum and gallery leadership, senior curatorial experience, and experience in developing fundraising strategies.

In keeping with the National Aboriginal Art Gallery’s commitment to First Peoples’ Principles, 10 of the 12 appointees are Aboriginal. The group of creative industry leaders includes three Territorians from Central Australia, with other members representing wider regional and national interests and expertise.

Members will provide advice and recommendations to the NT Government on the development and establishment of the National Aboriginal Art Gallery, including the overall concept of the Gallery, and approaches to fundraising and governance.

The Gallery, to be based in Alice Springs, will provide a centrepiece for Aboriginal art, showcasing the significance of Aboriginal culture to the nation and the world.

A $7.175 million design tender was awarded to BVN Architecture which will join forces with NT architects Susan Dugdale & Associates. The design is expected to be finalised by late 2023, with stakeholder and community input central to the process.

Northern Territory Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech notes “the establishment of the Reference Group is yet another milestone for our nationally significant National Aboriginal Art Gallery.

“The calibre of these highly regarded individuals speaks volumes about the significance of what we are creating here in Alice Springs for the nation.

“Members of the Reference Group have the experience, knowledge, and passion to help drive a truly unique cultural experience.”

Members of the National Aboriginal Art Gallery Reference Group are:

• Franchesca Cubillo (Co-Chair);

• Dr Gerard Vaughan (Co-Chair);               

• Patricia Adjei;

• Brook Andrew;                      

• Sharon Butcher;                           

• Kelli Cole;                                       

• Chad Creighton;                          

• Frank Howarth;                           

• Dr Greg Lehman;                         

• Vicky Lindner;                               

• Matthew Palmer; and                     

• Joann Russo.