AusLeisure

The Art Gallery of NSW’s Sydney Modern project has reportedly received a landmark $20 million gift from a private foundation.

With the Gallery looking to raise $100 million from private donations to fund its Sydney Modern project – in addition to the NSW Government’s recently commited $244 million in funding, $20 million has been gifted to the project by the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation.

Announcing the donation, a statement from the Gallery advised “this is the largest monetary gift in the Gallery’s 146-year history.”

The statement advised that Isaac Wakil had followed the Sydney Modern project closely, and was reportedly “delighted to see SANAA’s design evolve over the past two years.” (The Sydney Modern plans have been designed by the Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA.)

David Gonski, Chair of the Gallery Trustees, commented “Susan and Isaac are two of the Gallery’s most committed and longstanding donors.

“I am delighted, but not surprised, by their leadership pledge. This magnificent gift is instrumental in making the expansion of the Gallery a reality.”

Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Michael Brand said the Gallery will recognise this philanthropic leadership by naming two prominent locations in the new building after the Wakils.

The Wakil Foundation has supported Sydney institutions including the University of Sydney, Sydney Jewish Museum, St Vincent’s Hospital, and Opera Australia. Isaac Wakil has been a supporter of the Gallery since 1969, and served on the AGNSW Foundation Board from 2001 until 2007.

Brand added “we are delighted that the journey through the new building will begin at the Susan Wakil Pavilion.

“Our many visitors, especially those attending galas, membership receptions and other special events, will also be able to enjoy the grand space of the Isaac Wakil Gallery, that is central to the new building’s layout.”

The Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation's commitment of $20 million is part of the $70 million pledged to date in support of the Gallery’s expansion. The gallery is yet to disclose the source of the remaining $50 million pledged.

The capital campaign to support the project will be publicly launched later this year.

Image: Artist’s impression of the Sydney Modern Project, produced by Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA.

14th June 2017 - ART GALLERY OF NSW GETS $244 MILLION FUNDING FOR SYDNEY MODERN EXPANSION 

11th June 2017 - LANDMARK UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY MUSEUM GETS THE GO AHEAD 

21st April 2017 - UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR ART GALLERY OF NSW DIRECTOR MICHAEL BRAND

18th January 2017 - SYDNEY’S TOP EXHIBITIONS AND ART EVENTS STAYING UP LATE

24th February 2016 - FORMER NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY DIRECTOR BOUNCES BACK AT ART GALLERY SOCIETY OF NSW

7th October 2015 - FREE CHILD ENTRY DRIVES RISE IN HOLIDAY VISITS TO SYDNEY MUSEUMS

27th May 2015 - ART GALLERY OF NSW REVEALS WINNERS OF DESIGN PROJECT FOR $450 MILLION EXTENSION

18th January 2015 - NSW CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS FAIL WORKPLACE DIVERSITY TARGETS

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.