Queensland’s blockbuster reputation reaches new heights

The Palaszczuk Government is helping to bring more once-in-a-lifetime blockbuster exhibitions to Queensland, with a $6 million injection over three years included in next week’s State Budget as part of Queensland Economic Recovery Plan.

At tonight’s official opening of the highly-anticipated European Masterpieces from ‘The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York exhibition, at the Gallery of Modern Art, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed there was more blockbuster funding to come in next week’s Budget.

“Queensland is an arts and cultural destination, and this investment in blockbuster funding will help Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) bring more exclusive exhibitions like European Masterpieces to Queensland,” the Premier said.

“Next week’s Budget will include a $6 million injection over three years and builds on our commitment of more than $20 million in blockbuster funding since 2016.

“Blockbuster art exhibitions are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to attract visitors and events which deliver a vital boost to our economic recovery, creating jobs, advancing local tourism and presenting globally significant arts experiences for Queenslanders and visitors.

“Already, my government’s investment for exclusive exhibitions through QAGOMA has contributed more than $85 million to the economy since 2016.”

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s investment, these big-ticket exclusive exhibitions have driven record attendances.

“In 2017, the Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe exhibition was the largest ever presentation of costumes, props and art from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and attracted more than 269,000 visitors and contributed $18.52 million into the Queensland economy.

“On top of this, QAGOMA was the first Australian gallery since the start of COVID-19 to stage a blockbuster exhibition, with The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire attracting over 112,000  visitors.

Minister Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government’s reinstatement of blockbuster funding in 2016 has bolstered QAGOMA’s reputation as a leading contemporary art museum with an international profile.

“The gallery is consistently recognised as the second most attended in Australia, behind the National Gallery of Victoria,” Ms Enoch said.

“The arts are key to delivering our plan for economic recovery, each year contributing $8.5 billion into the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders, and that is why investments, such as this blockbuster funding in next week’s Budget, are so important.

“With strong evidence of the return on investment, through the Palaszczuk Government’s blockbuster funding, Queensland is well positioned to drive tourism and economic recovery across the state.”

The European Masterpieces exhibition opens to the public tomorrow.

 ENDS

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Pam Frost 0437 696 809