Northern Territory company Sitzler has been awarded the tender to construct the National Aboriginal Art Gallery.
Delivery of the Gallery is now locked in, with site preparation and first stage construction works set to rollout in the coming weeks.
The project represents the most significant infrastructure investment in Central Australia, with a joint investment of $154 million from the Northern Territory and Australian Governments.
The Gallery has now been renamed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia (ATSIAGA).
ATSIAGA was chosen as the official title to honour and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and artistic contributions of Indigenous Australians. It will be a transformative, world-class gallery that celebrates the artistic traditions and cultural expressions of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The National Reference Group, which provides advice and recommendations to the NT Government on the development of the Gallery, endorsed the name after it was tested by the market to ensure it was representative of Indigenous Australians; and defined and described its primary purpose.
National Reference Group Co-Chairs Dr Gerard Vaughan and Franchesca Cubillo said the new name embodies the spirit, history and ongoing story of the First Nations artists “whose works we are privileged to showcase”.
“This announcement marks a renewed dedication to fostering understanding, respect, and recognition of the diverse cultures and traditions that form the backbone of our national identity,” they said. “We look forward to continuing our journey together, sharing and preserving these invaluable artistic legacies for future generations.”
The Gallery will stimulate economic growth for Alice Springs during construction and into the future, boosting tourism and business while providing space for national and international events. It is anticipated ATSIAGA will open in 2027, and will attract thousands of visitors to the town each year.
The first stage of construction will secure the site, establish a site office, complete the design development, secure the managing contractor, and begin value engineering; with $2.2 million accelerating these works into delivery.
Sitzler Director Michael Sitzler said once completed the ATSIAGA will be an internationally recognised asset of Australia and the Territory.
“Being born and bred in Alice Springs, I am very excited to be part of its creation and I am personally invested in the success of this project over the long term,” he said.
“Sitzler will maximise Alice Springs and Territory business participation in the construction of the facility, creating something that we, and our children, can all be proud of.”