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National Aboriginal Art Gallery Project

Celebrating First Nations cultures

The National Aboriginal Art Gallery is a transformative project that will see construction of a world-class gallery that celebrates the artistic traditions and cultural expressions of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The gallery and surrounding precinct will honour the stories and truth-telling of Australia’s First Nations people internationally.

A collaborative vision

The Northern Territory Government, in partnership with local Arrernte communities and First Nations peoples from across Australia, aims to establish a centre dedicated to the display, celebration, and interpretation of First Nations cultural and creative expressions.

The National Aboriginal Art Gallery aims to:

  • Celebrate First Nations art's unique and powerful contribution to the world.
  • Share the stories of the world's oldest continuous culture, brought together in the heart of the nation and the birthplace of contemporary Aboriginal art, Mparntwe, Alice Springs, Australia.
  • Construct and develop a high-quality cultural gallery and precinct that stands as an iconic architectural statement, driving tourism, enhancing liveability, and promoting social and economic objectives.
  • Provide opportunities for local participation in arts programs, special events, and festivals, ensuring that the gallery serves as a vibrant hub for the community.

The Gallery will generate employment opportunities during the construction phase, and when the gallery opens, contributing to the local economy and creating a lasting positive impact.

Features

First Nations led and governed gallery
Cultural welcoming circle
Connecting to expansive public space
Top floor event space
Healing gardens protecting sacred sites
Ground floor cafe
Kwatye (water) play park
Impressive 4 level atrium

National Reference Group

The National Reference Group comprises of 11 members, 9 of which identify as First Nations and 3 being Traditional Owners of the 3 local estate groups of Mparntwe, Alice Springs.

This collaborative approach ensures an authentic and inclusive representation of the rich artistic heritage of Australia's First Nations peoples.

The National Aboriginal Art Gallery Reference Group provides advice and recommendations to the Northern Territory Government on the development and establishment of the National Aboriginal Art Gallery.

View more information and members of the National Reference Group.

What is the National Aboriginal Art Gallery?

The National Aboriginal Art Gallery is a project that aims to showcase and celebrate the rich artistic traditions of Australia's First Nations peoples. It will provide an engaging and inclusive experience for visitors, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Where is the gallery being built?

The gallery is being built in Mparntwe Alice Springs, Australia. The precinct and building location is at the Anzac Oval and old Anzac High School location.

In March 2022, the Northern Territory Government acquired Anzac Oval from the Alice Springs Town Council. The Northern Territory Government already owned the old high school site.

When will the building be open?

The construction of the gallery is forecasted to be completed by the end of 2027, with plans to open it to the public in early 2028.

What is the budget for the project?

The National Aboriginal Art Gallery has secured funds from both the Northern Territory Government and the Australian Government. The Northern Territory Government has committed $69 million, while the Australian Government has committed $80 million.

Who is the architect?

BVN Architecture, in collaboration with award winning Northern Territory architects Susan Dugdale and Associates, were awarded the design tender in March 2022. The lead architect on the project is Kevin O'Brien, a descendant of the Kaurareg and Meriam people from the Torres Strait. Their expertise in urban design, master planning, and various public and commercial projects ensures the creation of a visually stunning and culturally immersive space that pays homage to Indigenous art. The design will reflect the rich artistic traditions of Australia's First Nations peoples and provide an engaging and inclusive experience for visitors.

Who is delivering the project?

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning, and Logistics is responsible for delivering the infrastructure project on behalf of the Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet. The construction tender is currently in review stages. The Managing Contractor is due to be announced in the coming weeks.

What are upcoming milestones?

The construction timeline* is as follows:

  • Quarter 4, 2023 - Managing Contractor construction tender released
  • Quarter 1, 2024 – Managing Contractor construction tender awarded
  • Quarter 2, 2024 - construction commences
  • Quarter 4, 2026 - completion of construction
  • 2027 - gallery operational and opens to the public

*As per forecasted project schedule - subject to change.

Will it be a collecting gallery?

No, the National Aboriginal Art Gallery will not be a collecting gallery. Its primary focus is to exhibit and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts rather than amass a permanent collection.

Tender for Construction - Submissions Closed

National Aboriginal Art Gallery, Two Stage Managing Contractor Contract tender is has closed. Submissions included:

  • Stage 1: Early contractor involvement during final design phases
  • Stage 2: Managing Contractor oversight of the construction of the gallery.

Go to the NTG Quotations and Tenders website.

Development Application

The Northern Territory Government has submitted a Development Application (DA) for the National Aboriginal Art Gallery which will be on public exhibition from 8 March 2024 to 5 April 2024.

For more details about the Development Application, go to the NTLIS website.