Ngununggula Gallery Secures Crucial Funding Amidst Passionate Defence by Archibald Prize Winner
A fierce debate unfolded at the Wingecarribee Shire Council meeting this week, as renowned artist Ben Quilty passionately advocated for the continued funding of the Ngununggula Regional Gallery. The Archibald Prize winner, serving as the gallery’s deputy chair, took to the public forum to argue against potential cuts, framing the gallery as a vital cultural asset that far outweighs the immediate tangible benefits of infrastructure.
The council was deliberating on a proposed five-year funding agreement, a commitment of $500,000 annually. This funding is a cornerstone of Ngununggula’s operational model, which relies on a strategic blend of state government support, philanthropic contributions, corporate sponsorships, and revenue generated from ticket sales and events. Quilty’s impassioned plea aimed to underscore the gallery’s significant return on investment, not just financially, but for the broader well-being of the Southern Highlands community.
“Footpaths and smooth roads are not going to help the general well-being of this community,” Quilty declared to the assembled councillors. His statement directly challenged the notion that council funds could be more prudently allocated to purely infrastructural projects, arguing that cultural institutions play an equally, if not more, important role in community enrichment.
Quilty detailed the gallery’s remarkable trajectory, transforming from what he described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” into a nationally recognised cultural hub. He emphasised the gallery’s proactive approach to financial sustainability, stating, “We are fundraising our butts off to keep that place running the way it is.” This highlights the significant effort already being made by the gallery’s board and staff to secure its future.
Bringing a touch of local flavour to his argument, Quilty drew a parallel between community engagement in sports and the arts. “I’m playing the grand final on Saturday … but we can play cricket and we can have an art gallery,” he quipped. “And at $500,000, you’re getting a bargain.” This analogy sought to illustrate that a thriving community can and should support both recreational and cultural pursuits simultaneously.
Councillors Probe Practicalities and Future Directions
The discussion wasn’t solely one-sided, with councillors raising pertinent questions about the gallery’s funding strategies and programming. Councillor Rachel Russell inquired about the gallery board’s efforts to secure funding from the federal government, suggesting it could alleviate the reliance on local council resources.
Quilty’s response was direct and somewhat dismissive of the suggestion. “We raised $8 million to build a building for the community, we’re raising 70 per cent of the budget to keep it open, now you want me to go to federal government? That’s pie in the sky,” he stated, implying that the gallery had already exhausted significant avenues for funding and that further federal lobbying might be an unrealistic expectation.
Councillor Sarah Moylan proposed exploring more broadly appealing exhibitions to potentially increase visitor numbers and revenue. She suggested concepts like “A Lego exhibition, a dinosaur exhibition, an exhibition on artworks that the community actually make?”
Quilty, however, defended the gallery’s curatorial vision, pointing to its track record with highly successful exhibitions. “We have the Archibald Prize, the most successful exhibition in the country, and Art Express, the second most successful,” he countered. “We aim for the best, not the most popular. Populism is what’s destroying this planet.” This statement underscored a commitment to artistic merit and cultural significance over transient popularity.
In a particularly pointed exchange, Councillor Moylan raised the possibility of renaming the gallery after Ben Quilty to potentially attract more funding. Quilty firmly rejected this idea, expressing his dismay at the suggestion. “For you to suggest that — you obviously don’t know me,” he replied. “There is not a chance I am adding my name to it, it is Ngununggula, it was given to us by Aunty Val Mulcahy and it means belonging.” He stressed the importance of the gallery’s Indigenous name, “Ngununggula,” which translates to “belonging,” highlighting its connection to the local Aboriginal community and its intrinsic meaning.
A Win for Culture Over Commerce
Ultimately, the council’s decision reflected a strong endorsement of the arts and culture within the shire. In a decisive vote of 7-2, the Wingecarribee Shire Council opted to continue its funding agreement with the Ngununggula Regional Gallery. This outcome represents a significant victory for the arts community and a testament to the powerful advocacy of Ben Quilty and the gallery’s dedicated team. The decision ensures that Ngununggula can continue its vital work of providing artistic experiences, fostering creativity, and serving as a hub for cultural engagement in the Southern Highlands for the foreseeable future.
