The unexpected turn-around by Kangaroo Island Council on negotiations for land in Kingscote has obliged the Art Museum of Kangaroo Island Board to reconsider its preferred location.
The prime site overlooking Bay of Shoals, chosen after an exhaustive search of available land and supported by 80 per cent of 350 community consultation respondents in 2020, will be hard to match for its scenic value and accessibility.
The AMKI board is very disappointed with the rushed council decision to block use of its preferred site, but notes that council continues to support the project itself.
The change has only solidified the board’s enthusiasm for its visionary project – to reveal Kangaroo Island art to the world and draw world art to Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo Island tourism statistics show that for many of our visitors, culture is a missing aspect in the tourism experience. What better than AMKI, our own regional gallery, to fill this gap? And the entire community, and especially the artistic and tourism sectors, will be the beneficiaries.
The board is now looking for a new location and will take its time to work through the possibilities to ensure it makes the best choice to reflect the special qualities and beauty of the island. The site and the gallery must meet Australian standards for museums and galleries to gain access to high quality travelling exhibitions, and thus secure the greatest benefit for Kangaroo Island.
The project continues to be supported by its chosen architect, Kirsten Thompson, Australian Institute of Architects 2023 gold medal winner, and a number of philanthropists and foundations.
Art Museum of Kangaroo Island 