TMAG-QVMAG Memorandum of Understanding

Tracy Puklowki and Janet Carding signing the memorandum of understanding

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging to increase collaboration between two of the state’s most significant cultural institutions.

Signed in Launceston by TMAG Director Janet Carding and QVMAG General Manager of Arts and Cultural Services Tracy Puklowski, the MoU seeks to establish collaborative foundations that will translate into active programs and activities of mutual interest and benefit.

The two organisations have regularly partnered on exhibitions that have been hosted at both venues, including recent popular exhibitions such as Dinosaur rEvolution, The National Picture: the art of Tasmania’s Black War, Lola Greeno: Cultural Jewels and The Art of Science: Baudin’s Voyagers 1800-1804.

Under the MoU, TMAG and QVMAG pledge to build on their strong history of collaboration to work together on a range of projects, including creating and preserving exceptional digital content for Tasmanian cultural assets, liaising and sharing information on collections and governance matters, and working on collaborative research projects.

TMAG and QVMAG are currently working together alongside the University of Tasmania, Libraries Tasmania and the City of Launceston as part of the exciting Digital Cultural Experience project, which aims to facilitate public access to Tasmania’s cultural collections and rich history.

The two organisations also commit to collaborating on developing exhibitions and related programming at their respective sites in Hobart and Launceston, as well as increasing opportunities for exchanges and information sharing between staff.

Ms Carding said these collaborations would help to develop staff capabilities and extend the capacity of both institutions.

“Through working together, we believe that we can capitalise on the important public value of the State Collection and also enhance the services we can provide to all Tasmanians,” Ms Carding said.

“Tasmania is a leading arts and culture destination, and through collaboration of Tasmania's leading cultural institutions we will enable more opportunities for Tasmanians, north and south,” Ms Puklowski said.

The MoU is for a period of five years, and TMAG and QVMAG will meet at least once per year to discuss their strategic priorities and opportunities for future collaborative projects and activities.

Image details: Tracy Puklowski and Janet Carding signing the MoU at QVMAG in Launceston. Image courtesy QVMAG.