ADELAIDE.- The South Australian Government today announced a transformative $15 million investment in the Art Gallery of South Australia. Unveiled today as a key outcome of the Malinauskas Government’s inaugural ten-year Cultural Policy, the funding establishes AGSA’s new Winter Art Series which will bring major international exhibitions exclusively to Adelaide during the winter seasons 2026-29 and additionally contributes to AGSA’s audience development. This investment consolidates AGSA’s vision to be the most inspiring art destination in Australia.

The Winter Art Series will amplify Adelaide’s position as a vibrant cultural destination by bringing the works of world-renowned artists and art collections to AGSA, complemented by curated experiences and events and offering opportunities to South Australian artists through associated programming.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said cultural tourism generates significant economic benefits and positive social impacts for South Australians.

‘The Art Gallery of South Australia has cemented itself as an international tourism destination. This new investment will see blockbuster exhibitions exclusively in Adelaide over winter for the next four years, driving tourism visitation and delivering tangible economic growth to the state,’ Premier Malinauskas said.

The Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for the Arts, said, ‘AGSA’s Winter Art Series will invigorate South Australia’s arts offering over the winter months, forming an important part of South Australia’s year-round cultural calendar and sitting alongside established events like Illuminate and the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. There will be no better place to be than Adelaide in winter.’

AGSA Board Chair, Sandy Verschoor said, ‘This investment is the outcome of many months of productive, collaborative work between the Government and the AGSA Board and Executive team. On behalf of the Board, staff, and stakeholders of AGSA I thank the Malinauskas Government for its trust in the Gallery’s ambition and capacity to expertly deliver what will be an extraordinary Winter Art Series.’

AGSA Director, Jason Smith commented that the newly announced multi-year funding acknowledged AGSA’s track record of securing highly productive partnerships with international museums and collections including TATE, Musée d'Orsay, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, The Saatchi Gallery and The Gelman Collection.

‘We are thrilled with and grateful for the Malinauskas Government’s commitment through this transformative investment for AGSA, Adelaide and our state. The Winter Art Series will consolidate our vision to be the most inspiring art destination in Australia by bringing exceptional international works of art and major collections to Adelaide, to be exhibited alongside AGSA’s internationally significant collection. These destination experiences will complement AGSA’s acclaimed flagship offerings – Tarnanthi Festival, Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art and the Ramsay Art Prize.’

‘AGSA has a successful history in presenting critically acclaimed major exhibitions. In partnership with the South Australian Government, AGSA has delivered the celebrated Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution in 2023 and the record-breaking Colours of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay in 2018,’ Smith said.

The first exhibition in the Winter Art Series, to be held in winter 2026, will be announced later this year. Visit agsa.sa.gov.au/winter to subscribe for updates on the Winter Art Series.