News

• 2005-05-20 - New Appointments Boost NGV’s Breadth And Depth

  The State Government today announced three new appointments to the National Gallery of Victoria’s Council of Trustees, Bruce Parncutt, Jason Sau Lee Yeap and Rino Grollo.

  Arts Minister Mary Delahunty welcomed the three appointments to the governing body of the Gallery and said they were joining at an important time, following the $168 million redevelopment and remodelling of the St Kilda Rd gallery.

  “The NGV is one of Melbourne’s most-loved institutions, and the Gallery’s Council of Trustees play an important leadership role in bring art and people together in the most inspired ways,” Ms Delahunty said.

  “Cultural centres like the NGV are part of what makes Victoria the best place to live and raise a family.”

  “The diverse programming of Australian and international artists is providing visitors with access to some of the greatest works of art ever created. Next month the Dutch Masters from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the second Melbourne Winter Masterpieces will open, reinforcing Melbourne’s premier position for arts audiences,” she said.

  The inaugural 2004 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces blockbuster, The Impressionists, was the most successful Australian exhibition ever, with more than 380,000 visitors. Next year the NGV will host an exhibition of works by the Spanish master Pablo Picasso.

  Bruce Parncutt has a 30-year career in investment management, investment banking and stockbroking. Mr Parncutt is currently principal of Lion Capital, an investment management and investment banking firm. He is also director of a number of private and public companies and not-for-profit organisations.

  Jason Sau Lee Yeap is the chairman of Mering Corporation and is involved in property investment and development. Mr Yeap is a founding member of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the South Yarra Indo-Chinese Association and a senior partner at Stamford Lawyers.

  Rino Grollo, Chairman of Directors of the construction, tourism and property development company Grollo Group, is also a director of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia and the Italian Australian Institute. He is also a member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce.

  Ms Delahunty said the three new trustees would consolidate the depth of knowledge and experience that exists within the NGV Council of Trustees under the leadership of NGV President Allan Myers QC. The three appointments fill vacancies on the NGV’s Council of Trustees that were created following the retirement of Chris Brown and Alison Inglis and the appointment of Allan Myers as President of Trustees.

  NGV Director Dr Gerard Vaughan welcomed the three appointments.

  “This is a particularly interesting time for the NGV. We have come through a major redevelopment program with two exceptional buildings and are now able to focus our attention not only on presenting magnificent exhibitions and programming initiatives to capture the public imagination, but also to work hard on increasing our endowment to allow the NGV to remain competitive in the area of new acquisitions,” Dr Vaughan said.

  
   

• 2004-08-22 - NGV International: A Million Reasons To Visit

  Arts Minister Mary Delahunty today welcomed the one millionth visitor to the National Gallery of Victoria’s St Kilda Road building since re-opening last December.

  Ms Delahunty marked the occasion by presenting a five-year Gallery membership gift to the one millionth person through the door. The presentation was made to Eric Yeap, 33, a physiotherapist from Box Hill South, who attended the Gallery today with wife Leonie, 31, and three-year-old son Benjamin.

  Ms Delahunty said the astounding success of NGV International at St Kilda Road was an example of the Victorian community’s long-standing affection for the institution and the pride they take in it, and its support for the NGV’s exciting visual arts program.

  “Since 4 December, one million people from all over Australia and the world have come through the Gallery’s entrance at St Kilda Road. Many have come to see the building; many have come to see the Collection. And, as we are currently observing with The Impressionists, many are visiting to see the world-class exhibitions of great depth and quality, with 25 per cent of visits from people outside Victoria,” she said.

  Ms Delahunty paid tribute to Italian architect Mario Bellini and the Melbourne architect team Métier3 for the successful re-development of Sir Roy Grounds’ masterpiece.

  “For more than 30 years, this building has been a much-loved Melbourne icon, and I am delighted that this inspired renovation means the NGV can offer its visitors the very best in 21st century facilities and design.”

  Ms Delahunty also paid tribute to the NGV’s Council of Trustees, the Director of the NGV, Dr Gerard Vaughan, NGV staff and volunteers.

  Since NGV International opened in December 2003, many outstanding exhibitions have been staged in the building, complementing the NGV’s own collection of international art works. These exhibitions include: world rush_4 artists; a survey of work by the building’s principal architect Mario Bellini; Darkness and Light: Caravaggio and his world; international photographer Guy Bourdin; and those currently on display, The Impressionists: Masterpieces from the Musee d’Orsay, and Man Ray.

  Minister Delahunty said the $168 million re-development had greatly enhanced the NGV’s ability to present exhibitions. It also enabled the Gallery to offer more diverse programs.

  Since The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square first opened in November, 2002 nearly four million people have visited the National Gallery of Victoria.

   

• 2004-06-15 - New National Gallery Of Victoria President Announced

  The State Government today announced the appointment of Allan Myers QC to the position of President of the Council of Trustees of the National Gallery of Victoria.

  Arts Minister Mary Delahunty said Mr Myers, 56, a Queens Counsel since 1986, has worked in all jurisdictions in Australia, the UK and Papua New Guinea.

  A barrister specialising in commercial law, Mr Myers was appointed to the Council of Trustees of the National Gallery of Victoria in June 2003 and succeeds Melbourne businessman Steve Vizard as NGV President.

  Ms Delahunty said Mr Myers had a reputation as a quiet philanthropist with an interest in art and medical research. Mr Myers is a graduate of the University of Melbourne – where he was the Supreme Court Prize winner in 1969 – and Oxford University.

  He has had a distinguished career at the Bar since 1975 – and was appointed a Queens Counsel in 1986. He is a member of the board of the Howard Florey Institute, Australia’s leading brain research centre

  Ms Delahunty said Mr Myers would lead the NGV into an exciting new chapter following the $168 million redevelopment and remodelling of the NGV, the largest redevelopment program of any cultural institution in Australia.

  “Victorians, interstate and international visitors now enjoy two world-class art galleries – the NGV International and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square - and two world-class collections, free of charge,” she said.

  “Not only is the NGV one of the world’s great art museums, it is a cultural icon for Melbourne and Victoria,” Ms Delahunty said.

  “The Government believes in investing for the future, not just in bricks and mortar, but in the cultural life of our citizens,” she said.

  More than three million people are expected to visit the two galleries this year.

  “In his time on the Board Mr Myers has impressed with his love of the visual arts, his solid board level experience and high-level professional expertise.

  The appointment is a voluntary statutory position until May 2006.

  Ms Delahunty paid tribute to Mr Vizard for steering the NGV Board through a period of unprecedented change.

  “As President of the Board of Trustees of the NGV, Steve Vizard delivered two outstanding projects for the people of Victoria – the new NGV spaces at Federation Square and the jewel in the crown, the remodelled NGV International on St Kilda Road.

  “He led the Board from the early stages of both these projects and can take pride in his achievements. Steve has been generous with his time and talent and all Victorians thank him for that.’’

  Ms Delahunty said providing access to quality and inspiring cultural experiences was at the heart of the Government’s arts policy, Creative Capacity Plus, Arts for All Victorians.

  “The National Gallery is a place to inspire and educate and an important place for community engagement with the arts,” Ms Delahunty said.

  “I wish Mr Myers well in this new and important position,’’ she said.

  Ms Delahunty said the arts have flourished under the Bracks Government, which takes the view that culture should be an integral part of life, not an add-on.

  Victoria's cultural assets - land, buildings and collections - are valued at $3.81 billion (as at June 2003), a huge investment in cultural infrastructure.

  Cultural venues include: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, NGV International, ACMI, redeveloped spaces at the State Library, Ngargee - Victoria's new Centre for Contemporary Art, as well as new and redeveloped regional Performing Arts Centres (Shepparton's Eastbank Centre, La Trobe Regional Gallery in Morwell and the Wellington Performing Arts Centre in Sale).

  
   

• 2003-12-04 - An Early Christmas Present As NGV Reopens

  The Premier, Steve Bracks, said the reopening of the transformed National Gallery of Victoria today was a wonderful Christmas present for Victorians.

  Mr Bracks marked the official opening by turning on the remodelled Waterwall, now a sheer cascade of water uninterrupted by columns.

  “Not only is the NGV International one of the world’s great art museums, it is a cultural icon for Melbourne and Victoria,” Mr Bracks said.

  “The Government believes in investing for the future, not just in bricks and mortar, but in the cultural life of our citizens.”

  Mr Bracks said the $168 million redevelopment of the NGV was the largest redevelopment program of any cultural institution in Australia.

  He said the State Government had contributed $102 million to the project.

  Through private and Federal Government sources, the NGV has raised a further $66 million, including contributions from the Commonwealth Government ($25 million) and the Ian Potter Foundation ($15 million.)

  Mr Bracks said fundraising by the NGV Trustees had ensured the fit out and finish of the gallery was first class.

  He paid tribute to the generosity of private benefactors including the Clemenger Foundation, the Sidney Myer Foundation, the Myer Family and James Fairfax.

  “Victorians, interstate and international visitors can now enjoy two world-class art galleries – the NGV International and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square - and two world-class collections, free of charge,” he said.

  “It will mean many people can enjoy the Gallery and the Waterwall over the upcoming holidays.”

  The Minister for the Arts, Mary Delahunty, said providing access to quality and inspiring cultural experiences was at the heart of the Government’s arts policy, Creative Capacity Plus, Arts for All Victorians, released earlier this year.

  “NGV International will be a place to inspire, engage and educate and will provide an important access point for community engagement with the arts,” Ms Delahunty said.

  “The Gallery’s capacity to engage and inspire schoolchildren from around Victoria will be helped enormously by the improved facilities, superb new lecture theatre spaces and art studios.”

  Ms Delahunty said the opening of NGV International brought Victoria’s cultural precinct one-step closer to completion.

  She congratulated those who had been instrumental in delivering the ambitious project, including the President, NGV Council of Trustees, Steve Vizard, past and current NGV Trustees, NGV Director Dr Gerard Vaughan, Deputy Director (International) Tony Ellwood, NGV staff, architect Mario Bellini, architectural firm Metier 3, construction company Baulderstone and all those who worked on the site, Major Projects Victoria and Arts Victoria.
  

   

• 2003-07-20 - Minister Tests New Look NGV Waterwall

  The National Gallery of Victoria’s waterwall - one of Melbourne’s most-loved cultural icons – was tested today for the first time in four years as part of preparations for the Gallery’s
  re-opening later this year.

  Major Projects Minister Peter Batchelor visited the St Kilda Road site to oversee testing of the water recycling system, which is central to the new look of the waterwall.

  “Since 1968 the waterwall, together with the moats that surround the National Gallery of Victoria, has been one of our city’s most recognisable architectural landmarks,” Mr Batchelor said.

  “The new waterwall, positioned slightly in front of its former position, will continue to act as a filter between the chaos of the city and the sanctity of the space dedicated to art – the original objective of architect Roy Grounds.

  “Using a ground tank system to collect rainwater and run off, the entire moat and waterwall system will use recycled water and be totally environmentally sustainable.

  “The water from the tank will be pumped to the waterwall through a plant room that acts as a water treatment plant to ensure all filtration and reticulation standards are met.”

  The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) undertook tests on the hydraulics and fluid performance on a waterwall prototype to examine the proposed design improvements. It provided recommendations to the architect Mario Bellini Associati/Metier 3 and builders Baulderstone Hornibrook.

  Mr Batchelor said the redevelopment was part of the more than $10 billion of major projects being delivered across Victoria.

  “The reintroduction of the waterwall, together with the famous Leonard French designed stained glass ceiling, will see two of this state’s landmarks returned for all Victorians to enjoy,” he said.

  “Once complete, the reopened gallery will provide 25 per cent more exhibition space as well as new technical facilities to better conserve and protect the precious pieces of art held by the gallery.

  “The new-look NGV will complement other recent additions to Melbourne’s cultural landscape including Ngargee (Australian Centre for Contemporary Art), the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and the redeveloped State Library of Victoria.”

  The NGV redevelopment will also see the following additions:

  • A new glass roof over the central courtyard, overlooked by a mezzanine restaurant;
  • Six additional galleries inside the Coles and Murdoch courtyards;
  • Upgraded catering and retail facilities; and,
  • Improved lighting and environmental controls.

  Mr Batchelor said today’s short test of the waterwall was part of the preparatory works to be undertaken in the lead up to the reopening of the gallery.

  Artwork will begin to be delivered and installed in August, with the Gallery expected to formally reopen by the end of 2003.
  

• 2001-02-26 - Major Jobs Boost For Building Industry As Premier Announces Builder For Redevelopment Of The NGV

  The Premier, Steve Bracks, today announced that Baulderstone Hornibrook was the successful tenderer for the contract to redevelop the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in St Kilda Rd – a project which will create more than 2000 jobs.

  Mr Bracks said the awarding of the tender to Baulderstone followed a comprehensive evaluation by the Office of Major Projects of tenders to redevelop and expand the Gallery from several of Australia’s largest construction companies.

  “We are confident the partnership between the Office of Major Projects, the NGV, architects and builders will deliver an outstanding new gallery for all Victorians,” Mr Bracks said.

  “The development is also a major boost for the construction and other industries, with more than 2000 jobs in total being created as a result of the project.

  “The redevelopment will maintain the integrity of the original design by architect Roy Grounds. The Gallery will retain its distinctive waterwall at the St Kilda Rd entry, and the Leonard French ceiling will remain in its current location.

  “As well, new galleries will be added, facilities will be improved and state-of-the-art technology introduced. I’m sure all Victorians will be keen to see international art and exhibitions again on display in the fully-redeveloped Gallery during 2003.”

  The Victorian Government is contributing $96 million to the redevelopment of the Gallery in St Kilda Rd, with the Federal Government providing $25 million through its Federation Fund.

  A generous donation of $15 million from The Ian Potter Foundation has enabled the project to proceed, and the NGV has also established a substantial fundraising program to support these committed funds.

  The Minister for Major Projects, John Pandazopoulos, said the contract with Baulderstone Hornibrook would maximize opportunities for Victorian and interstate suppliers, especially small business, to compete for the supply of materials and services.

  “The contractor will supply a local industry participation plan to support this goal,” the Minister said.

  He said Baulderstone had a strong record in the delivery of high-quality, large-scale Australian civic projects, including the Melbourne Museum, Colonial Stadium, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and the Qantas domestic terminal at Tullamarine.

  The Southern Region Director for Baulderstone Hornibrook, Hedley Davis, said the company was delighted to have won the contract: “We look forward to developing a wonderful facility that Victorians can be proud of.”

  NGV President, Steve Vizard, said the announcement was a milestone for the Gallery in its 140-year history.

  “By the end of 2003 Melbourne will have two of the finest art galleries in the world. Here at St Kilda Road we will preserve the best of the old, while adding important new innovations of stunning design and beauty. We now commence an exciting new era for the NGV.”

  The St Kilda Rd Gallery has been redesigned by a consortium of architects, led by Mario Bellini Associati with Metier 3. Redevelopment of the St Kilda Rd Gallery site began last year. Demolition works have now been completed in readiness for construction, for which a heritage permit has been issued.

   

• 2000-10-27 - $8 Billion Bonanza For Major Projects Industry

  More than $8 billion worth of investment is up for grabs at a development forum which brings together developers, suppliers and builders, the Minister for Major Projects, John Pandazopoulos said today.

  “The Major Projects Forum is a demonstration of the vitality, the growth and the ongoing opportunities which major projects presents right across Victoria,” he said.

  “This is about innovation, about jobs and about economic prosperity to be shared by all.

  “This Government has committed around $2 billion to major projects ranging from Docklands
  to hospital and law court redevelopments and to high-speed rail link to regional centres,” he said.

  A total of $8 billion worth of private and public sector development is earmarked or underway across the state, offering enormous opportunities, he said.

  The forum, which is being held at the Melbourne Convention Centre, is organised by the Department of State and Regional Development and the Industrial Supplies Office. More than 800 companies have registered to attend.

  Mr Pandazopoulos said the Bracks Government is determined to see that the benefits from major projects flow to all Victorians and that businesses of all sizes have an opportunity to participate in them.

  “So far, we have seen tenderers for the redevelopment of the National Gallery of Victoria identify the proportion of that project that will go to local firms,” he said. “A similar requirement will apply when tenders are released for the new Collins Street extension.”

  “This Government is all about obtaining value for money in its major project tendering.”

  “This forum provides an important opportunity for the Industrial Supplies Office – which matches local manufacturers with local content – to provide those all important links for local suppliers.”

  Mr Pandazopoulos said Australia’s manufacturing sector had never been more competitive in global terms.

  “And Victoria remains Australia’s manufacturing heartland. This forum will ensure that smaller suppliers also stand to benefit from the state’s competitive edge and to contribute to that continued growth.”