Wesfarmers in new gallery deal

WESFARMERS will become the National Gallery of Australia’s indigenous art partner from 2012, increasing its funding to $1.4 million.

The partnership will be over four years and include the company’s ongoing support of the Wesfarmers Arts Indigenous Fellowships program and the 2nd National Indigenous Art Triennial. 

The partnership began in 2009 with the fellowship program, a national initiative aimed at increasing participation by indigenous people in visual arts management across Australia’s gallery and museum sector.

“Wesfarmers is committed to promoting the role of art and culture in our society – in particular, the central place that indigenous culture occupies in defining the contemporary face of Australia and our national identity on the world stage,” head of Wesfarmers Arts, Helen Carroll, said.

“The National Gallery is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in nurturing the long-term growth and promotion of indigenous visual arts in this country. As a WA-based company, we can see the very real benefits that this national program of support for indigenous art delivers for artists and communities in the regions as well as the urban centres.”

National Gallery of Australia chairman Rupert Myer said the commitment between Wesfarmers and the gallery to developing and promoting indigenous art and increasing indigenous participation in the visual arts sector led to a successful partnership.