Published Friday, 14 November, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Reports Minister banned art purchase inaccurate
Reports that Arts Minister Rod Welford has banned the Queensland Art Gallery from purchasing works by Archibald Prize-winning artist Del Kathryn Barton are inaccurate.
Mr Welford said there had never been any intention by the Gallery to purchase the series of works currently on display as part of the Optimism exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art.
“Reports by Courier Mail Assistant Editor Des Houghton that I had banned the Gallery from purchasing the pieces are completely untrue,” Mr Welford said.
“Mr Houghton incorrectly reported in his article today that the Gallery was planning to buy the pieces.
“I simply set the record straight and told Mr Houghton this was not the case.
“His comments in a subsequent article posted in the Courier Mail online falsely stated that I had ‘banned’ the gallery from purchasing the pieces because of their subject matter.
“Gallery Director Tony Ellwood has confirmed that there were never any plans to purchase the works.
“The works were commissioned for the exhibition only, not for purchase.
“It is not my role as Minister to dictate to the Gallery which artworks should be acquired for its permanent collection.
“It’s a matter for the Gallery Director and Board of Trustees, not me, to ultimately determine what art works are purchased.
“Benefactors may also donate money to the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation to support the purchase of works for the collection.”
Media contact: Jo Crompton or Emma Clarey 3237 1000
Mr Welford said there had never been any intention by the Gallery to purchase the series of works currently on display as part of the Optimism exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art.
“Reports by Courier Mail Assistant Editor Des Houghton that I had banned the Gallery from purchasing the pieces are completely untrue,” Mr Welford said.
“Mr Houghton incorrectly reported in his article today that the Gallery was planning to buy the pieces.
“I simply set the record straight and told Mr Houghton this was not the case.
“His comments in a subsequent article posted in the Courier Mail online falsely stated that I had ‘banned’ the gallery from purchasing the pieces because of their subject matter.
“Gallery Director Tony Ellwood has confirmed that there were never any plans to purchase the works.
“The works were commissioned for the exhibition only, not for purchase.
“It is not my role as Minister to dictate to the Gallery which artworks should be acquired for its permanent collection.
“It’s a matter for the Gallery Director and Board of Trustees, not me, to ultimately determine what art works are purchased.
“Benefactors may also donate money to the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation to support the purchase of works for the collection.”
Media contact: Jo Crompton or Emma Clarey 3237 1000