NGV Asian Art Acquisition Fund
 

The Asian art collections have benefited from extraordinary leadership and philanthropic support for well over 100 years, and we call on you to continue that tradition of support now and into the future. In late 1999 the National Gallery of Victoria was temporarily closed for a major redevelopment and re-opened in December 2003, with considerably expanded space for the Asian collections. The reopening was followed by unprecedented attendance figures.

TIBETO-CHINESE

Avalokitesvara
17th-18th century, China
gilt bronze, semi-precious stone, pigment

115.0 x 72.5 x 45.4 cm

Felton Bequest, 1966 (1485-D5)

In 2007 we launched the Supporters of Asian Art, a group which assists in the continued development of our permanent collections of Asian art. We also have a special commitment to collect and exhibit contemporary Asian art, and in the year since we founded the Supporters of Asian Art a number of major works, representing China and Japan, have been acquired.

Indeed, the Trustees of the NGV have recently proposed that, should Government decide to extend the platform over the rail yards to the east of Federation Square, a new spacious wing for the Asian collections – combining our historic collections with a robust approach to the new art of Asia – should be seriously considered. This idea has already received widespread support in the general community.

Now is the time to join us and invest in the future development of the Asian collections. We have established, on the first anniversary of the Supporters of Asian Art, the Asian Art Acquisition Fund, which focuses on seeking funds for the acquisition of major works of Asian art. With your support we will be able to expand our representation and knowledge of Asia and Asian art and maintain its relevance to our audiences.

Gerard Vaughan
Director, NGV
February 2008