The Northern Territory government has announced that the state's proposed art gallery, which has been under construction since 2022, is now to be subject to a public Expressions of Interest (EOI) process. According to the government, this process is designed to "identify the most cost effective and impactful use of the building" going forward.
Concepts for Darwin's proposed Northern Territory Art Gallery, designed by Ashford Architects with Clare Design and Hully Liveris, were first unveiled in 2021. NT News noted that construction of the Northern Territory Art Gallery was expected to be complete by 2026.
In his statement to the media, Minister for the Arts Jinson Charls acknowledged that the project had faced major funding shortfalls and is now estimated to exceed the budget by over $100 million, but emphasised the government's commitment to seeing it through to completion.
"[…] we want to go to market and ensure we are achieving the most effective model going forward for the benefit of all Territorians," said Charls.
The open EOI will invite applications from interested parties to operate the site. Given the competitive process, the government hoped that applicants would "articulate in detail the potential costs involved to operate, the benefits to the community and specific model used to maximise the possibilities the site offers."
A taskforce comprising key government agencies, including the Department of People, Sport and Culture, Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Department of Treasury and Finance, and Department of Logistics and Infrastructure will be appointed to draft and manage the EOI.
Charls commented, "By seeking proposals from multiple potential operators, with a view to selecting a model of operation that best contributes to rebuilding the economy and restoring the Territory's lifestyle, we can be open to alternative funding opportunities outside of the Northern Territory government."
