Concept designs released for National Aboriginal Art Gallery

Concept designs by BVN Architecture and local architects Susan Dugdale & Associates were released today for the Northern Territory’s flagship National Aboriginal Art Gallery.

NT Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech and National Aboriginal Art Gallery Reference Group Co-Chair Franchesca Cubillo unveiled the designs with Minister Paech noting “the gallery overlooks the picturesque Lhere Mparntwe and its design embodies a profound connection to Country.

“The gallery will stand as an iconic architectural statement driving tourism, enhancing liveability, and providing social and economic benefits, creating a lasting positive impact.”

Cubillo added “this remarkable gallery shines a spotlight on the beauty, power and importance of Aboriginal art and provides a unique space in which to preserve First Nations peoples’ storytelling and share their timeless stories through art and culture.

“I’m proud to see the gallery come to life, a visual masterpiece that will strengthen the public recognition of Aboriginal art and pay tribute to the valuable contribution it has made in shaping our cultural identity.”

The NT Government has invested $69 million to develop the new National Aboriginal Art Gallery to be located in Alice Springs (Mparntwe). The Australian Government has invested a further $80 million into the project.

The Northern Territory is world renowned for its rich Aboriginal cultural history and the modern, state of the art Gallery will exclusively house First Nations artwork.

The gallery will showcase the stories and artwork of one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures, brought together under one roof in the spiritual heart of the nation and the birthplace of contemporary Aboriginal art.

Features of the gallery include a cultural welcoming circle, top floor event space with spectacular views, healing gardens, ground floor cafe, Kwatye (water) Play and an impressive four-level atrium.

It will provide opportunities for local participation in arts programs, events and festivals, ensuring the gallery serves as a vibrant hub for the community.

The project will create economic benefits to the community with up to 260 full time jobs created during construction and once operational, is expected to attract visitors from around Australia and the world.

Concept designs will now be refined and prepared for a construction tender process later this year.

The National Aboriginal Art Gallery project team will be holding project and design information sessions throughout August and September 2023.

Images: Concept designs of the planned National Aboriginal Art Gallery.