Our role

Vision

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) aims to provide, promote and facilitate interaction with, and understanding of, the cultural and natural world for present and future generations.

Role

TMAG collects, preserves, researches, displays, interprets and safeguards the physical evidence of the natural and cultural heritage of Tasmania, together with relevant material from interstate and overseas.

Statement of purpose

The purpose of this collection is to provide present and future generations with the opportunity to gain information and insight into their world.

Administration

TMAG is a combined museum, art gallery and herbarium which houses the State Collection of Tasmania. TMAG aims to provide an environment that both stimulates and educates the general public; collects and conserves material evidence within the areas of humanities, including visual arts, history and anthropology, and the biological and physical sciences; undertakes research on the collections within changing intellectual, social and environmental contexts; and interprets and presents its collections and research through diverse programs and publications which provide opportunity for public access and participation.

TMAG is administered by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts. A Board of Trustees holds the collections in trust for the people of Tasmania:

  • Sir Guy Green, Chairman and Royal Society of Tasmania representative
  • Alderman Dr Peter Sexton, Hobart City Council representative
  • Dr AV (Tony) Brown, Royal Society representative
  • Ms Julia Farrell, Governor in Council appointment
  • Mr Clive Tilsley, Governor in Council appointment
  • Dr Alison Alexander, Governor in Council appointment
  • Mr Geoff Willis, Governor in Council appointment.

Tasmanian Aboriginal Advisory Council

The Aboriginal Advisory Council was established in 2003 to give direction and advice to TMAG and it's Board of Trustees on all matters relevant to Aboriginal cultural heritage. Community members were appointed for their knowledge and expertise in Aboriginal culture that enables them to provide independent advice on behalf of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.  Current Aboriginal Advisory Council members are: Greg Lehman (chair), Verna Nichols, Lola Greeno, Rocky Sainty, Laurette Thorp, Zoe Rimmer and Tony Brown.  The TAAC meets every three months.