Plans and proposed site for Art Museum of Kangaroo Island unveiled

The plans and proposed site have been revealed for the new Art Museum of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, set to cost $23.4 million.

The Art Museum of Kangaroo Island Establishment Association has announced that it intends to secure a block outside Kingscote, overlooking the Bay of Shoals for the proposed Museum.

The proposed regional art gallery would reveal Kangaroo Island art to the world and draw world art to Kangaroo Island. It will house a permanent collection of art from and of Kangaroo Island, and temporary and travelling exhibitions, host artists in residence and community workshops.

With a landscaped outdoor area including a major environmental artwork, the gallery’s building will be a work of art in itself located to take advantage of, and complement, a spectacular island vista.  

The AMKI Establishment Association aims to obtain the site within the next few months before commencing final designs. Preliminary concept designs have been completed by Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA), with initial renders depicting a building embedded within the landscape and offering views out to the bay.

The project was first conceived in 2018 after a travelling exhibition showcasing the work of 10 Kangaroo Island artists was presented in 14 regional galleries, yet could not be displayed on the island as there was no suitable space.

Kangaroo Island Council initially declined to support the project due to concerns regarding the business case. A revised business case was submitted by the AMKI Establishment Association in 2023, which has now been endorsed by council. The business case forecast that the art museum would attract 10,000 new visitors to the island each year, providing “an added dimension to the island’s tourism offerings … increased tourist numbers, a creative catalyst for complementary, new and expanded Kangaroo Island businesses, an enriching community gathering place,” and opportunities for arts education.

Having already raised funds for the final design phase, the AMKI committee will be seeking a combination of state and federal funding for the project, along with philanthropic financial support.

This project, led by the AMKI Establishment Association, has gained significant community support following a consultation process that ran from late July to late August.

The survey showed strong backing for the museum, with the majority of the 346 respondents – most of whom live or own property on the island – supporting the initiative. Over 90% believe the museum will enhance the visitor experience and positively impact the local art scene.

Rebekha Sharkie, Federal Member for Mayo, South Australia enthused “Kangaroo Island’s art community is one of Kangaroo Island’s best kept secrets. With its own art museum this community has the opportunity to make artists as well known as the island’s wild pristine landscape and wonderful produce that the rest of the world comes to enjoy.

“The Art Museum of Kangaroo Island (AMKI) is envisioned as a cultural hub. Plans include housing Kangaroo Island art, hosting temporary and traveling exhibitions, artist-in-residence programs, and providing workshop and meeting spaces. There will also be a shop, a café/bar, and a function area, along with performance spaces and environmental surroundings.”

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Images. Preliminary renders of Art Museum of Kangaroo Island. Credit: Kerstin Thompson Architects