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\u201cWe will continue to deliver a visionary and exciting annual program, including two major winter exhibitions and two major summer exhibitions,\u201d a gallery spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom next year, our exhibition schedule will be adjusted to lengthen the duration of exhibitions in line with the practices of other national and global art museums. Depending on the final organisational structure, some initiatives, such as artist monograph exhibitions and collaborative projects, may be paused.\u201d<\/p>\n
Monograph exhibitions feature the work of a single artist, usually a result of a scholarly effort to commemorate the life or career of an artist.<\/p>\n
Usually, one of these exhibitions is staged annually, the latest showcasing the work of pioneering abstractionist, Janet Dawson. These exhibitions are supported by publications offering in-depth analysis and visual perspectives of the artist\u2019s work to broaden public understanding.<\/p>\n
Aspects of the AGNSW\u2019s membership program is also under review.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll possibilities are being explored as part of a thorough review of our revenue, but no outcomes have been determined at this stage,\u201d the spokesperson said. \u201cThe Art Gallery is proud to have the largest visual arts membership base in Australia, with more than 36,000 current members, and we look forward to continued growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
The AGNSW is also looking to identify opportunities for growth through ticket sales, retail, tourism, venue hire and other revenue streams. It hosts about 250 corporate and private events annually, including weddings.<\/p>\n
PSA delegate, Sharne Fielder, says only two of her team of 17 will be unaffected by the restructure. She worries the gallery would need to dedicate more building space to commercial events.<\/p>\n
The union said it was concerned about \u201ccreeping volunteerism\u201d, claiming volunteer numbers had risen from 236 to 297. Paid, unionised jobs should not be replaced with unpaid or contract roles, the union said.<\/p>\n
The Coalition\u2019s arts spokesperson Kevin Anderson said Labor\u2019s attack on jobs at the art gallery would have unknown impacts on exhibitions and visitor experiences at one of the state\u2019s most treasured cultural icons.<\/p>\n
\u201cCutting 51 staff will have unknown impacts on the operation of the gallery and raises questions around whether exhibitions, tours, outreach programs and access will also be on the chopping block with 10 per cent less staff working at the gallery,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n