Northern Territory company Sitzler has been awarded the tender to construct the National Aboriginal Art Gallery, the Territory Labor Government announced today.
Delivery of the Gallery is now locked in, with site preparation and first stage construction works set to rollout in the coming weeks.
The project represents the most significant infrastructure investment in Central Australia, with a joint investment of $154 million from the Northern Territory and Australian Governments.
The Gallery has now been renamed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia (ATSIAGA).
ATSIAGA was chosen as the official title to honour and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and artistic contributions of Indigenous Australians. The National Reference Group, which provides advice and recommendations to the NT Government on the development of the Gallery, endorsed the name after it was tested by the market to ensure it was representative of Indigenous Australians; and defined and described its primary purpose.
ATSIAGA will be a transformative, world-class gallery that celebrates the artistic traditions and cultural expressions of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Gallery will stimulate economic growth for Alice Springs during construction and into the future, boosting tourism and business while providing space for national and international events. It is anticipated ATSIAGA will open in 2027, and will attract thousands of visitors to the town each year.
The first stage of construction will secure the site, establish a site office, complete the design development, secure the managing contractor, and begin value engineering; with $2.2 million accelerating these works into delivery.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech:
“ATSIAGA is set to become an iconic location that will house nationally significant art and celebrate the rich history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural expression; and this is reflected in its new title.
“The Gallery will be a vibrant community hub that will generate many jobs during the construction phase as well as ongoing employment and business opportunities well into the future.
“This project will drive tourism and promote the Territory Labor Government’s social and economic objectives, and today’s announcement progresses this project to the next level.”
Quotes attributable to National Reference Group Co-Chairs Gerard Vaughan and Franchesca Cubillo:
“On behalf of the National Reference Group, we are proud to announce the new name of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia – ATSIAGA.
“Our new name embodies the spirit, history, and ongoing story of the First Nations artists whose works we are privileged to showcase.
“This announcement marks a renewed dedication to fostering understanding, respect, and recognition of the diverse cultures and traditions that form the backbone of our national identity. We look forward to continuing our journey together, sharing and preserving these invaluable artistic legacies for future generations.”
Quotes attributable to Sitzler Director Michael Sitzler:
“Once completed the ATSIAGA will be an internationally recognised asset of the Territory and Australia, and Sitzler will ensure the construction of the facility will be undertaken with this primary project requirement front of mind.
“Being born and bred in Alice Springs, I am very excited to be part of its creation and I am personally invested in the success of this project over the long term. Sitzler will maximise Alice Springs and Territory business participation in the construction of the facility, creating something that we, and our children, can all be proud of.”
Images here here.
