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The Northern Territory Government has advised that Territory contruction company Sitzler has been awarded the tender to construct the National Aboriginal Art Gallery.

Delivery of the Gallery is now locked in, with site preparation and first stage construction works set to rollout in the coming weeks.

The project represents the most significant infrastructure investment in Central Australia, with a joint investment of $154 million from the Northern Territory and Australian Governments.

The Gallery has now been renamed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia (ATSIAGA).

ATSIAGA was chosen as the official title to honour and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and artistic contributions of Indigenous Australians. The National Reference Group, which provides advice and recommendations to the NT Government on the development of the Gallery, endorsed the name after it was tested by the market to ensure it was representative of Indigenous Australians; and defined and described its primary purpose.

ATSIAGA will be a transformative, world-class gallery that celebrates the artistic traditions and cultural expressions of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National Reference Group Co-Chairs Gerard Vaughan and Franchesca Cubillo shared “On behalf of the National Reference Group, we are proud to announce the new name of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia - ATSIAGA.

“Our new name embodies the spirit, history, and ongoing story of the First Nations artists whose works we are privileged to showcase.

“This announcement marks a renewed dedication to fostering understanding, respect, and recognition of the diverse cultures and traditions that form the backbone of our national identity. We look forward to continuing our journey together, sharing and preserving these invaluable artistic legacies for future generations.”

Sitzler Director Michael Sitzler advised “Once completed the ATSIAGA will be an internationally recognised asset of the Territory and Australia, and Sitzler will ensure the construction of the facility will be undertaken with this primary project requirement front of mind.

“Being born and bred in Alice Springs, I am very excited to be part of its creation and I am personally invested in the success of this project over the long term. Sitzler will maximise Alice Springs and Territory business participation in the construction of the facility, creating something that we, and our children, can all be proud of."

The Gallery will stimulate economic growth for Alice Springs during construction and into the future, boosting tourism and business while providing space for national and international events. It is anticipated ATSIAGA will open in 2027, and will attract thousands of visitors to the town each year.

The first stage of construction will secure the site, establish a site office, complete the design development, secure the managing contractor, and begin value engineering; with $2.2 million accelerating these works into delivery.

Related Articles

28th July 2023 - Concept designs released for 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

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