About Us

Our Story

Australian Art Gallery was founded in 1988 by Margaret and Robert Thornton, two passionate art collectors who saw the need for a dedicated space to showcase Australia's diverse artistic heritage. What began as a small exhibition space in a converted warehouse in Albert Park has grown into one of South Australia's most respected art institutions.

During the early 1990s, the gallery gained recognition for its pioneering approach to exhibiting Indigenous Australian art alongside contemporary works, creating meaningful dialogues between different artistic traditions. This innovative curatorial approach helped establish our reputation as forward-thinking advocates for Australian art in all its forms.

In 2005, the gallery underwent a major expansion, tripling its exhibition space and adding dedicated research facilities. Under the direction of current Gallery Director Emily Chen, who joined in 2010, we've strengthened our commitment to supporting emerging artists while continuing to celebrate established masters of Australian art.

Today, Australian Art Gallery proudly serves as a cultural bridge, connecting artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts from across Australia and around the world. Our collection now spans over 1,250 works, representing the rich tapestry of Australian artistic expression from traditional Aboriginal art to cutting-edge contemporary installations.

Original Australian Art Gallery building from 1988

Our Mission & Values

Community art workshop with indigenous Australian artists teaching techniques

Mission

To celebrate, preserve, and promote the diverse artistic expressions of Australia by creating an inclusive space where artists, collectors, and the public can engage with art that reflects our nation's cultural heritage and contemporary identity.

Core Values

Cultural Respect

We honor the traditions and stories behind each artwork, particularly recognizing the profound significance of Indigenous Australian art and ensuring ethical representation.
Artistic Excellence

We are committed to exhibiting works of the highest quality that challenge, inspire, and expand our understanding of Australian art in all its forms.
Inclusivity

We strive to make art accessible to everyone through education programs, community outreach, and exhibitions that speak to diverse audiences.
Innovation

We embrace new perspectives, experimental techniques, and emerging voices that push the boundaries of Australian artistic expression.

Our Team

Meet the dedicated professionals who bring our gallery's vision to life through their expertise, passion, and commitment to Australian art.

Emily Chen

Gallery Director

With over 20 years of experience in the art world, Emily brings a global perspective to our gallery. After completing her PhD in Art History at the University of Melbourne and working as a curator at major institutions in Sydney and London, she joined us in 2010. Emily's academic research on the dialogue between Indigenous and contemporary Australian art has been published internationally.

Dr. Jason Warruwa

Indigenous Art Curator

A proud Ngarrindjeri man, Jason has been instrumental in developing our Indigenous art program. With a background in anthropology and fine arts, he ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks are presented with cultural sensitivity and appropriate context. Jason leads our community engagement initiatives and educational workshops on Indigenous art practices.

Olivia Harrison

Contemporary Art Curator

Specializing in Australian contemporary art movements, Olivia joined our team after completing her Master's degree at the Victorian College of the Arts. Her innovative exhibition concepts have attracted national attention, particularly her work showcasing emerging artists from regional Australia. Olivia's approach balances experimental mediums with accessible presentation.

Michael Thornton

Head of Conservation

Son of our founders, Michael carries forward their legacy while bringing scientific expertise to art preservation. With specialized training in conservation techniques for Indigenous materials and contemporary mixed media, he leads our efforts to preserve Australia's artistic heritage. Michael has developed innovative methods for conserving works that incorporate natural materials like ochre and bark.

Our Achievements

Over three decades of dedication to Australian art has led to significant milestones and recognition for our gallery's contributions to the cultural landscape.

National Recognition

Recipient of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association Excellence Award in 2019 for our commitment to ethical presentation of Indigenous art.

Global Reach

Established touring exhibitions that have brought Australian art to 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America, showcasing our artists on the world stage.

Educational Impact

Our educational programs have reached over 75,000 students across South Australia, introducing new generations to the richness of Australian artistic traditions.

Artist Development

Our residency program has supported 120 emerging artists, many of whom have gone on to achieve national and international recognition for their work.