Concept designs released for National Aboriginal Art Gallery

July 28, 2023

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.

19th March 2023 - Northern Territory Government completes land acquisition for National Aboriginal Art Gallery

22nd November 2022 - Senior Director First Nations appointed to National Aboriginal Art Gallery

15th November 2022 - Western Arrernte curator joins National Aboriginal Art Gallery team

2nd May 2022 - Art and culture experts to lead National Aboriginal Art Gallery Reference Group

25th March 2022 - $7 million tender awarded for National Aboriginal Art Gallery design

31st August 2019 - Business case released for National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs

12th January 2019 - Traditional owners withdraw support for National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.