Thousands flock to Andy Warhol in opening month

Arts Minister Rod Welford has declared the Andy Warhol retrospective at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) a success, with more than 36,000 visitors flocking to the exhibition since it opened on 8 December.

Mr Welford said Andy Warhol had lived up to its promise to be the highlight of the summer arts program in Australia, with an average of 1388 paid attendances a day.

“In less than a month 36,103 people have seen this blockbuster of a show, which is exclusive to Brisbane,” Mr Welford said.

“It’s been especially popular with families and children – with more than 85,126 visits to the free Silver Factory: Andy Warhol for Kids.

“This response is fitting for such an impressive exhibition which has captured everyone’s imagination. It’s exciting because this is a rare opportunity for people to see so many Warhol works and to be the first to see them in an Australian gallery. “

Mr Welford said the outstanding attendance figures for Andy Warhol capped a successful first year for GoMA.

“Since the opening of GoMA and the refurbished Queensland Art Gallery, there have been 1,149,562 visits to this wonderful two-site institution, with more than 569,512 to GoMA and 580,050 to QAG, ” Mr Welford said.

Queensland Art Gallery Director Tony Ellwood said he was delighted with the response to Andy Warhol.

“The audience response to the exhibition has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic,” Mr Ellwood said.

“Visitors realise this is a coup for Brisbane. I don’t think we will see a Warhol exhibition of this scope and quality in Australia again.”

The Andy Warhol retrospective includes more than 300 art works. GoMA’s Australian Cinematheque is presenting one of the largest and most complete surveys of Warhol’s films and the Children’s Art Centre also has an extensive program in the Silver Factory.

Tickets to the exhibition are $20 and concession is $16. The exhibition continues until 30 March 2008.

Media contact: Emma Clarey 3237 1000