The priority of the Territory Labor Government is to support local jobs throughout the coronavirus pandemic to help businesses get ready to rebound as soon as we can.

Today the Territory Government is releasing the tender to deliver a detailed design for a new art gallery at the State Square Precinct in Darwin’s CBD.

The State Square art gallery is part of the Civic and State Square Masterplan, facilitated through the $200 million City Deal and delivered in partnership with the Australian Government and City of Darwin.

It will be a high quality cultural facility to showcase art from the Territory’s collection and host Australian and international exhibitions.

The design will be architecturally respectful of its culturally and historically significant surrounds, alongside the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and Parliament House.

The gallery will seek to draw more visitors and Territorians to the Civic and State Square precinct and increase Territorians’ access to world-class art prominence as a must-visit arts tourism destination once visitation can resume. This will be important to assist in the Territory’s economic recovery post COVID-19.

A key project of the 10 Year Museums Master Plan for Darwin and Palmerston, the establishment of an art gallery in the Darwin CBD was supported by the arts industry and stakeholders.

Construction is anticipated to begin early 2022 and completed by mid-2023, with the gallery expected to open in late 2023.

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“Our Government is supporting local business through the unprecedented situation we are currently facing – the new State Square art gallery will create jobs during construction and in operation.

“The project is part of the Territory Labor Government’s job creating Civic and State Square precinct revitalisation funded by the $200 million Cities Deal.

“It will provide additional quality exhibition space to showcase our significant art and material culture collections, host Australian and international exhibitions, and deliver learning and participation opportunities for the community.

“Once built, it will encourage increased visitation to the Darwin CBD and an opportunity to become an iconic tourist destination - more people will come into the city, which means more customers for business and more jobs for locals.”

Quotes from Member for Port Darwin, Paul Kirby MLA:

“The Territory Labor Government is focused on creating jobs and supporting local business during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is our priority to support Territory businesses by creating more local jobs for Territorians and boosting the number of visitors coming into our CBD when we are able to welcome them again.

“The State Square art gallery project will help to revitalise Darwin’s city centre into a vibrant hub of activity, creating new offerings with inspiring attractions for Territorians and visitors.”

Media contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858