Museums & Galleries Queensland

14/10/2026

14/10/2026

✨You've seen the winners, Highly Commended recipients and finalists... now it's time to relive some of the moments from the 2026 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards!

We're delighted to share a selection of social photos from last Thursday evening, capturing guests networking, reconnecting with colleagues from across the sector, and celebrating the achievements of Queensland's museums and galleries.

Guests also enjoyed tours of Ipswich Art Gallery, including 'The Noise of Time' by Ian Friend and 'BRUTALIST / Baroque' by ceramic artists Donalee Moriarty and Nicolette Johnson.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a memorable evening in Ipswich. We hope you enjoy looking back on the celebrations! 📸✨

Our thanks also to the wonderful team at Ipswich Art Gallery for hosting us and making it such a special event ❤

Photography by Sarah Marshall, .

Arts Queensland Public Galleries Queensland Australian Museums and Galleries Association Queensland

14/10/2026

13/10/2026

Continuing our GAMAA 2026 social posts, we extend a special thanks to Brian Tucker for his generous support of the 2026 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards (GAMAA) trophies. We couldn't do this without you Brian 🥰

This year we were delighted to work with Artisan and acclaimed Queensland glass artist Jarred Wright. As a scientific glassblower working across the chemistry, nanotechnology and microbiology industries, Jarred draws inspiration from the organic forms found in the natural world. His celebrated 'Blobject' series features amoebic sculptural forms that blur the boundaries between creation and evolution, exploring light, refraction and transformation through exquisitely crafted glass.

Shaped entirely by hand using traditional bench torch glassblowing techniques, Jarred's works are both technically extraordinary and visually captivating. Our 2026 GAMAA trophies are beautiful works of art in their own right ✨

Each year, Museums & Galleries Queensland commissions a Queensland artist to create the GAMAA trophies, showcasing the breadth, diversity and talent of our state's artists and designers. We're proud to continue this tradition - this year's trophies were stunning - thanks Jarred!

Photos: Brian Tucker and artist Jarred Wright with one of this year's GAMAA trophies. Photography by Sarah Marshall, .

Arts Queensland Ipswich Art Gallery

13/10/2026

‘The Brothers Gruchy’ by Tim and Mic Gruchy opens this Friday 16 October at Pinnacles Gallery, Townsville QLD. This is the final venue in the exhibition’s national tour, closing on 31 January 2027!

🎉 Opening + In-Conversation with Tim Gruchy: Saturday 17 October, 10am – 11:30am

🌟 Isadora Workshop: Saturday 17 October, 12pm – 3pm

Brothers Tim and Mic grew up in Bundaberg and, along with being celebrated individual artists, they have worked extensively together since the mid-1980s.

‘The Brothers Gruchy’ features works from their collaborative explorations in the use of video, multimedia and performative art practices

'The Brothers Gruchy’ is a touring exhibition curated by Bundaberg Regional Galleries and presented in partnership with Museums & Galleries Queensland. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program and is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Image: Tim Gruchy, ‘Dissolving World’ (still), 2021, single-channel video, 00:14:30. Courtesy of the artist.




australia

11/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Noosa Regional Gallery, recognised as a Highly Commended recipient for its exhibition 'Gaza Skate Team'! 🏆🛹

What began as a chance social media connection became an extraordinary exhibition with global significance. Developed in collaboration with Rajab Al Reefi and artists living amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, 'Gaza Skate Team' shared powerful stories of resilience, identity and hope through striking photography and video works centred around skateboarding culture.

Delivered through ethical international partnerships and strong curatorial leadership, the exhibition overcame significant challenges to create a deeply moving and impactful visitor experience. Presented alongside exhibitions by Shaun Gladwell and Warwick Gow, it sparked meaningful conversations and fostered strong community engagement.

👏 'Gaza Skate Team' is a remarkable example of how regional galleries can create ambitious, globally relevant exhibitions that connect audiences through powerful human stories. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this inspiring project to fruition.

🩷 BIG THANKS TO OUR 2026 GAMAA SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
✨The 2026 GAMAA were proudly hosted by the Ipswich Art Gallery and sponsored by Public Galleries Queensland and Australian Museums and Galleries Association Queensland.

✨The 2026 GAMAA trophies, created by glass artist Jarred Wright, were generously supported by Brian Tucker.

Photo: Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding, presenting Michael Brennan with the Highly Commended presentation for Noosa Regional Gallery. Photograph by Marshall, .

Arts Queensland
.qld

11/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr Jacqui Donegan, Director, Mater Heritage & Archives Centre, recognised as a Highly Commended recipient in the Individuals: Paid category at the 2026 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards (GAMAA)! ✨✨

Dr Donegan was recognised for her outstanding leadership and dedication to preserving, sharing and celebrating the rich heritage of the Mater. Through her vision, passion for storytelling and commitment to inclusion, she has transformed the Mater’s heritage program into a vibrant and accessible resource that connects staff, patients, volunteers and visitors with the organisation’s history and values.

Her leadership has strengthened collections and archives, championed diverse voices and created opportunities for volunteers and emerging heritage professionals, ensuring the Mater’s stories continue to inform, inspire and connect communities.

👏 A well-deserved recognition of Dr Donegan’s exceptional contribution to heritage, community engagement and cultural leadership. Congratulations on this wonderful achievement! 🎉✨🏆💙

✨✨BIG THANKS TO OUR 2026 GAMAA SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
The 2026 GAMAA were proudly hosted by the Ipswich Art Gallery and sponsored by Public Galleries Queensland and Australian Museums and Galleries Association Queensland.

🏆💙 The 2026 GAMAA trophies, created by glass artist Jarred Wright, were generously supported by Brian Tucker.

Photo: Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding, presenting Dr Jacqui Donegan with the Highly Commended presentation. Photograph by Sarah Marshall, .

Jacqui Donegan Arts Queensland

11/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Roma on Bungil Gallery, a Highly Commended recipient at the 2026 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards (GAMAA) for 'The Wealth: Portraits of Maranoa Locals'! ✨🎨✨

This inspiring community-led exhibition celebrated the people, stories and spirit of the Maranoa region through 30 striking portraits by acclaimed artist Daniel Butterworth, alongside photographs and stories representing more than 70 local residents.

Developed in partnership with Creative Injune, 'The Wealth: Portraits of Maranoa Locals' captured the resilience, diversity and character of the community, shining a light on the individuals whose contributions help shape regional Queensland.

👏 A wonderful achievement that highlights the power of collaboration, storytelling and community pride. Congratulations to Roma on Bungil Gallery and everyone involved in bringing this celebration of Maranoa life to audiences. 🎉✨

✨✨BIG THANKS TO OUR 2026 GAMAA SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
The 2026 GAMAA were proudly hosted by the Ipswich Art Gallery and sponsored by Public Galleries Queensland and Australian Museums and Galleries Association Queensland.

The 2026 GAMAA trophies, created by glass artist Jarred Wright, were generously supported by Brian Tucker.

Photo: Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding, presenting Sandy MacDonald, Puddy Chandler and Di Griffin with the Highly Commended presentation for Roma on Bungil Gallery. Photograph by Sarah Marshall, .

Arts Queensland

11/10/2026

🎉 A huge congratulations to Redlands Coast Museum, a Highly Commended recipient at the 2026 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards! ✨ 🏆

This well-deserved recognition celebrates the incredible commitment, passion and leadership of the Museum’s volunteers. Through the Building a Sustainable Museum project, the volunteer-led team transformed the Museum's governance, collections management and organisational sustainability, creating a strong foundation for preserving and sharing the Redlands’ rich heritage well into the future.

👏 A wonderful achievement that demonstrates the extraordinary impact volunteers can have when they bring vision, dedication and community spirit together. Congratulations to everyone involved in this inspiring and impactful project! 🎉✨🏆💙

✨✨BIG THANKS TO OUR 2026 GAMAA SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
The 2026 GAMAA were proudly hosted by the Ipswich Art Gallery and sponsored by Public Galleries Queensland and Australian Museums and Galleries Association Queensland.
The 2026 GAMAA trophies, created by glass artist Jarred Wright, were generously supported by Brian Tucker.

Photo: Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding, presenting Susan Hoy and Belinda Hayes with the Highly Commended presentation for Redlands Coast Museum. Photograph by Sarah Marshall, .

Redland City Council .qld 🎉✨🏆💙 Arts Queensland

11/10/2026

🎉🖤💛❤️✨ Congratulations to Redland Art Gallery - Redland City Council , recognised as a Finalist for 'CREATE EXCHANGE: Three-Year Artist Residency and Activation Project' at the 2026 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards! ✨

CREATE EXCHANGE is an inspiring example of First Nations-led cultural practice, placing Quandamooka artists and knowledge holders at the centre of each stage of the creative process. Through artist residencies, exhibitions, mentoring, publishing and public programs, the initiative created meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration and community connection.

Featuring major projects by acclaimed artists Sonja Carmichael and Elisa Jane Carmichael, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins and Dean Biŋkin Tyson, the program celebrated the richness, diversity and strength of contemporary Quandamooka culture while creating lasting benefits for artists, audiences and the wider community.

👏 Congratulations to Redland Art Gallery, the participating artists and all project partners for demonstrating the power of sustained investment in First Nations leadership, storytelling and creative excellence. ✨ 🖤💛❤️✨

✨✨BIG THANKS TO OUR 2026 GAMAA SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
The 2026 GAMAA were proudly hosted by the Ipswich Art Gallery and sponsored by Public Galleries Queensland and Australian Museums and Galleries Association Queensland.

The 2026 GAMAA trophies, created by glass artist Jarred Wright, were generously supported by Brian Tucker.

Photo: Mayor of Ipswich, Teresa Harding, presenting Emma Collerton and Kerryanne Farrer with the Finalist presentation for Redland Art Gallery. Photograph by Sarah Marshall, .

Arts Queensland .qld