Fed: Major expansion for National Gallery

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2006
Fed: Major expansion for National Gallery

CANBERRA, Dec 13 AAP - The National Gallery of Australia is set for a $93 million expansion
that will increase display space for Aboriginal art.

It is the first major facelift for the Canberra gallery since it was opened by Queen
Elizabeth in October 1982.

Arts Minister Rod Kemp said the renovation would allow the gallery to showcase its
important collection of Indigenous Australian art in purpose-built galleries.

"This project will enable the gallery to respond effectively to the community's significant
interest in Australian Indigenous art, and to promote a greater appreciation of Indigenous
Australian culture," he said.

A small collection of Aboriginal art is presently displayed in large cathedral-like
rooms on the entrance level.

The refurbishment, expected to start mid-next year, will also create new arrival and
entrance facilities to improve public access, improve the collection's storage and handling
facilities and create new educational program facilities.

AAP jb/sb/evt

KEYWORD: GALLERY

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