Cultural Attractions of Australia welcomes Australian Institute of Sport and National Portrait Gallery into membership

The Cultural Attractions of Australia (CAOA) association has announced that Canberra’s Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and National Portrait Gallery have each joined as members.

Now comprising 19 members, the collective unites Australia’s cultural icons and provides a range of curated experiences designed to connect individuals and groups with curators, artists and knowledgeable guides allowing them to enjoy a unique perspective of each of these significant attractions.

The National Portrait Gallery provides a boutique art gallery experience that brings visitors face-to-face with portraits of those who have shaped the nation. Through the art of portraiture, the gallery shares Australian stories to deepen the understanding and appreciation of the nation’s people.

Advising that the National Portrait Gallery was the only cultural institution with the express mandate to share the evolution of Australian identity through art, National Portrait Gallery Director, Bree Pickering stated “through portraiture, the Gallery encourages conversation about who we are, where we’ve come from and who we want to be as a nation.

“We are thrilled to join the Cultural Attractions of Australia collective and bring unique experiences that will captivate and inspire local and international audiences. Joining the collective also allows us to leverage CAOA trade and industry partnerships that will connect the Gallery with new markets and visitors.”

Noting that the inclusion of the AIS in the CAOA collective underscores the importance of sport as a cultural pillar and a significant draw for tourists, Australian Sports Commission Chief Executive, Kieren Perkins advised “the AIS has played an incredibly important role in Australia’s sporting success on the international stage over the past four decades.

“Some of the nation’s biggest names have trained and competed at the AIS Campus in Canberra and generations of students have been inspired to chase their dreams by visiting the iconic facility. Following the Australian Government’s recent commitment to revitalise the AIS Campus to support our athletes in the lead up to Brisbane 2032, we are delighted to join CAOA and ensure every Australian understands the benefits of sport.”

Both new members share a commitment to promoting cultural tourism in Australia. By joining the CAOA, both institutions are poised to contribute significantly to the collective’s mission. Their participation helps build greater awareness of the diverse cultural experiences available in Australia, encouraging more travellers to explore and appreciate the nation’s rich cultural landscape.

Image: National Portrait Gallery.