The Australian Government has reappointed Sally Scales and appointed Ben Quilty as members of the National Gallery of Australia Council, each serving a three-year term. This council plays a crucial role in overseeing the gallery’s strategic and organizational goals, ensuring it continues to fulfill its mission of inspiring Australians through art.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, expressed confidence in the contributions of both artists. He stated, “I’d like to thank Sally for returning as a member to the Council; her expertise will continue to be a great asset. I’d also like to welcome Ben to the Council. Visitors to the National Gallery will be familiar with Ben’s works on the walls, and they can take comfort that his voice as an artist will be helping guide the Council’s decisions.”
Profiles of the New Council Members
Ben Quilty, an acclaimed Australian artist, is renowned for his expressive impasto-style oil paintings. His accolades include winning the Archibald Prize in 2011 for his portrait of artist Margaret Olley and the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize in 2009 for a portrait of musician Jimmy Barnes. In 2011, he served as an official war artist for the Australian War Memorial, documenting the experiences of Australian Defence Force personnel in Afghanistan. Quilty is also a board member of Ngununggula, a contemporary art space located in Bowral, New South Wales, showcasing both Australian and international art.
On the other hand, Sally Scales is a First Nations artist and cultural consultant from Pipalyatjara in the remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia. Since 2013, she has been involved with the APY Art Centre Collective, playing a pivotal role in launching APY Galleries across Australia. Scales was also part of the youth leadership team for the Uluru Statement, participating in the Referendum Council’s regional dialogues and the national convention in Uluru in 2017. Her artistic contributions have been recognized with the People’s Choice Award at the 2021 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), as well as being a finalist for the Roberts Family Award within the Wynne Landscape Prize in 2022.
Impact on the National Gallery
The appointments of Quilty and Scales reflect a commitment to enhancing the representation of diverse voices in Australian art. Their unique experiences and perspectives are expected to enrich the council’s discussions and influence its future direction.
Minister Burke’s acknowledgment of both artists underscores the importance of their roles in guiding the National Gallery’s vision. As the organisation aims to engage a broad audience through its exhibitions and programs, the insights from Quilty and Scales will be invaluable in shaping a culturally inclusive experience for visitors.
The National Gallery of Australia continues to be an essential institution in promoting and preserving the country’s artistic heritage, and the addition of these two prominent figures is a significant step towards achieving that goal.
