The Australian regional art museum: A site of community interaction and participation

Abstract

The Australian Regional Art Gallery or Art Museum has been an abiding force in shaping the economic, cultural and social geography of regional and rural Australian communities since 1884.The history of this cultural institution and its present role as a change agent (bringing the local, national and international into dialogue and affecting difference) have contributed significantly to the building of united, sustainable communities. This paper explores this cultural institution (utilizing the case study of Ipswich Art Gallery previously known as Global Arts Link Ipswich) while contextualizing the gallery/museum's place in contemporary Australia. Its once exclusive high art focus has been replaced by an ability to engage in cultural tourism, local and national identity politics, and international diplomacy- strategies for growing the arts and culture in the regions of Australia.