Regional Galleries Mapping and Needs Analysis

Regional Galleries Mapping & Needs Analysis Project is an integral part of the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost (RETB).

The aim of the RETB is to share Western Australian culture
more widely within Western Australia and attract visitors, by touring more high-quality visual arts exhibitions. This includes providing advice, professional development, expertise and meaningful life-long learning and employment opportunities.

Regional Galleries Mapping and Needs Analysis Report_FINAL

The data obtained from this project will help gather insight into the public gallery sector in Regional WA. Key issues identified from the sector will inform how best to improve access to the State’s collection managed by AGWA and increase touring of exhibitions to regional
communities. The results collected will also be used to articulate and advocate the value of public galleries for potential investment needs to our Local, State and Federal investors.

Summary of Key Findings:

1. 46% of participating venues have a building that is over 50 years old
2. 73% of unpaid/volunteer staff across all roles of participating venues
3. 48-69% of staff have never completed any relevant training to gallery management & operation
4. Curatorial and Governance training ranked the most desired training for participating venues
5. 73% of participating venues don’t have a facility report
6. 77% of participating venues don’t have the equipment to monitor
temperature and humidity
7. On average 56% of participating venues don’t own core AV equipment
8. Conservation advice overwhelmingly ranked greatest need in collection management for participating venues
9. Operational budget overwhelmingly ranked as greatest need for participating venues.

This ‘Map and Gap’ project was a joint initiative of Art On the Move, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and GalleriesWest. The project was funded through the RETB with investment from The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.