Artist Ben Quilty makes case for culture in a room focused on roads
Humour and defiance were on display as Ben Quilty made the case for Ngununggula’s funding at Wingecarribee Shire Council. (ABC Illawarra: Sarah Harvey)
In short:
Ben Quilty made an impassioned case to Wingecarribee Shire councillors to continue funding the Ngununggula, arguing the gallery was essential to the community’s wellbeing.
After a debate over priorities and finances, council voted 7–2 to maintain its $500,000 annual support.
What's next:
Mr Quilty praised the majority of councillors for their decision.
A world-renowned artist has shown off his public speaking skills in a battle to retain funding for a regional gallery in the NSW Southern Highlands.
In the public forum of Wednesday night's Wingecarribee Shire Council meeting, Archibald Prize winner Ben Quilty took centre stage to make the case for continuing funding to Ngununggula Regional Gallery.
In a sometimes fiery, often witty session, Mr Quilty traced the gallery's journey from a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to one of the state's leading regional cultural institutions.
Ben Quilty speaks during a heated Wingecarribee Shire Council debate over funding for Ngununggula Regional Gallery. (Supplied: Wingecarribee Council)
"Footpaths and smooth roads are not going to help the general well-being of this community," he told councillors, pushing back against arguments that council funds could be better spent elsewhere.
The council was considering the merits of a five-year funding agreement worth $500,000 per year.
The money forms part of a partnership-based model where the gallery leverages state funding, philanthropy, sponsorship, and ticket revenue.
Mr Quilty, who is the gallery's deputy chair, highlighted the gallery's state funding and philanthropic support.
"We are fundraising our butts off to keep that place running the way it is,"he said.
The artist wrapped up his evidence with a nod to the other demands on council's coffers.
"I'm playing the grand final on Saturday … but we can play cricket and we can have an art gallery," he said.
"And at $500,000, you're getting a bargain."
Councillors press on practicalities
Councillor Rachel Russell asked if the gallery's board had considered lobbying the federal government for funding to ease the pressure on local government.
Mr Quilty was blunt, replying "we raised $8 million to build a building for the community, we're raising 70 per cent of the budget to keep it open, now you want me to go to federal government? That's pie in the sky".
Councillor Sarah Moylan floated the idea of more populist exhibitions.
"A Lego exhibition, a dinosaur exhibition, an exhibition on artworks that the community actually make?" she asked.
Mr Quilty pushed back, and pointed to the gallery's record.
"We have the Archibald Prize, the most successful exhibition in the country, and Art Express, the second most successful," he said.
"We aim for the best, not the most popular.
"Populism is what's destroying this planet."
Ngununggula Regional Gallery has become a major cultural drawcard in the region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. (Supplied: Ngununggula Regional Gallery)
Councillor Moylan also asked whether the gallery should be renamed after Mr Quilty in order to attract funding.
"For you to suggest that — you obviously don't know me," Mr Quilty replied.
"There is not a chance I am adding my name to it, it is Ngununggula, it was given to us by Aunty Val Mulcahy and it means belonging."
In the end, culture had a rare win over commerce, with the council voting 7–2 to continue funding.