The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Australian Indigenous art a centrepiece of the Musée du Quai Branly

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced additional funding of $440,000 in 2005–06 to support the presentation of Indigenous contemporary artwork commissioned for the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, bringing the total Australian Government contribution for this project to $820,000.

“The Australian Government is delighted to support the commissioning of Indigenous artwork from Australia as part of the new Musée du Quai Branly to be opened this June in Paris,” Senator Kemp said.

The commissioned artwork, by eight Indigenous Australian artists, will form an integral part of the building’s design and will be appear in a prominent area of the museum. The unique design of the building allows the art to be viewed by millions of passers-by.

Since the project was first conceived, Australia’s contribution has grown with Indigenous artworks now appearing on the façade of one of the buildings—more than 2500 square metres of Australian Indigenous works on permanent display. In addition to the new Indigenous artworks, there are a further 40 paintings, 230 barks and more than 1400 objects comprising the Australian collection.

“This means more than five million international visitors a year will see this selection of Australian Indigenous art,” Senator Kemp said.

“The museum has the potential to raise significantly the profile of Indigenous art in Europe and enhance market opportunities for Australian Indigenous artists.”

The Government’s contribution and the Australia Council’s management of the project has ensured that Australia’s ongoing presence at the museum is both significant and appropriately managed.

The additional funding will be used to take advantage of key opportunities to promote Australian Indigenous contemporary art during the opening ceremony which will include performances by Indigenous Australians. A hard copy publication about the project will also be produced as a permanent record of the participating artists and curators.

The Musée du Quai Branly is a major international museum of the art and civilisations of Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania.

Supporting Information

Why is this important?

This represents the most significant commission of public works from Australian artists for permanent display overseas and presents an opportunity for long-term benefits for Australia’s international profile.
The Musée du Quai Branly has the potential to raise significantly the profile of Indigenous art in Europe and enhance market opportunities for Australian Indigenous artists.

Who will benefit?

Australian Indigenous artists will benefit from the exposure to international media and diplomatic interest during the opening of the building and longer-term increased interest in Indigenous art from art lovers and investors around the world.
Australia ’s international image will also benefit from showing the world the best of Indigenous contemporary art.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

The Australian Government’s total financial commitment to the project will be $820,000:

$440,000 – 2005-06 Budget;
$155,000 – The Australia Council;
$150,000 – Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs;
$75,000 – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

What have we done in the past?

In addition to previous financial contribution of $380,000, officers of the Australia Council have made a significant contribution in managing the Australian contribution, including coordinating between the Australian artists and curators, and the museum.

When will the initiative conclude?

June 2006 with the opening of the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris.

8 May 2006
Media contact: Michael Christo, Minister’s Office 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276