What will the art museum ‘do’?
The art museum will be a place for promoting Kangaroo Island art and developing the art practice and knowledge of island artists, in a setting of island flora. It will house a permanent collection of Kangaroo Island art, travelling and temporary exhibitions, facilities for artists-in-residence, and workshop and meeting spaces. It is expected to also have a shop, a café/bar and small function/performance space
It will be designed with the community in mind and to appeal to the discerning visitor from Australia and abroad.
AMKI is not a retail gallery, and because of its tourism appeal should increase sales in the existing community and retail galleries on KI.
Why does the island need an art museum?
- The strength of visual art on Kangaroo Island, both professional and community, is not well known. The art museum would place our art on world view and preserve its history.
- At present no building or space on the island has the climate and security conditions to house notable exhibitions such as national and international touring exhibitions, or to take advantage of loans from, for example, the National Gallery of Australia.
- The benefits of public galleries extend beyond the art community to the wellbeing of local community, to school students and partner organisations. (Regional Galleries Association of SA Mapping Project (PDF)
- Public galleries are known drawcards especially in spectacular locations with compelling ‘looks’ and adventurous and interesting curation. They add an interior dimension to the visitor experience as the climate become less predictable and generally hotter.
- Kangaroo Island has accolades from Lonely Planet (Best in Travel list), the New York Times (top 10 destinations) and Time Magazine (great places). However, tourism statistics (TOMM 2024-25) show that visitors find KI lacking in cultural and historic experiences, and have a low satisfaction rate with the range, quality and availability of activities on the island.
Where will AMKI be located?
The AMKI site is on the urban fringe of Penneshaw, close to the KI Sculpture Trail, with this spectacular view and easy access from the township.
What’s the timeframe?
The project needs to go through a State Planning Approval process which may take up to 15 months. We anticipate approval by late 2026 or early 2027.
Funds have been secured for purchase of the site and a substantial portion of the design process, but we anticipate that it may be later in 2027 when we have sufficient finance in place to break ground.
The building program could extend over two years, so an opening in late 2029/early 2030 is our current target. That being said, such projects are complex and require the kind of patience that AMKI has already shown!
What has AMKI achieved thus far?
The 2020 AMKI organisation community consultation won 80% community approval for the concept. The new site under contract at Penneshaw is receiving acclaim by locals (anecdotally – new community consultation planned).
In the meantime, AMKI is promoting KI artists, and the project, through its Instagram presence with steady viewer growth to more than 1000 followers.
In 2024, AMKI also brought the first ever National Gallery of Australia Touring Exhibition to Kangaroo Island. Single Channel, a video collection of the work of six Australian artists, was shown at KI Artworks Gallery at Baudin Beach for two months.
Who is proposing the Art Museum?
Art Museum of Kangaroo Island Ltd is a not-for-profit company and registered charity focused on community benefit and by constitution must have at least one KI resident on the board. KI Landowner Rob Brookman AM is the chair and KI resident Kathie Stove deputy chair; the remaining directors are Craig Wickham, Greg
Mackie OAM, Melinda Rankin, Stuart Glenn, Sue Arlidge and Rosey Batt. For more information on the eight directors, visit Our people.
The company’s objects include to:
- develop, build and operate a significant regional art gallery on Kangaroo Island
- promote and benefit Kangaroo Island art and Kangaroo Island artists
- help develop the cultural life of Kangaroo Island and contribute arts experiences for both the Kangaroo Island community and visitors.
The company is a member of Authentic Kangaroo Island, Regional Galleries Association of SA, and Australian Museums and Galleries Association. It is registered as a charity and has deductible gift recipient status thanks the pro bono efforts of Thomson Geer Lawyers.
The project is also actively supported by project partner Regional Development Australia, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island. Other notable supporters are Country Arts SA, SA Tourism Commission and Art Gallery of SA. Curator and director, Maudie Palmer AO, gifted the original schematic for layout and sizing.
How will the building and art museum operations be funded?
The 2023 greenfield construction estimate ($24.4 million for 1300 sq metres) is being reviewed for the new site and concept by project architect Kerstin Thompson (Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medalist, 2023). The approach is to minimise construction costs by using local materials.
Major funding for the project would come from high-level sources with community contributing as they can through events and other fundraisers.
Construction funding from government regional and infrastructure grants, philanthropy, sponsorship and donations
Operations funding (including acquisitions) from entry price (non-islanders – KI residents and children free), travelling exhibitions entry, café/bar and shop, supporters club, grants, events/space hire, philanthropy, sponsorship and bequests.
How does the project fit with national and state strategies?
The project aligns with:
- Revive: Australia’s Cultural Policy (Pillar 2: A place for every story; Pillar 4: Strong cultural infrastructure)
- Thrive 2030 Australia’s re-imagined visitor economy visitor economy (Policy priority 5: Enhanced visitor infrastructure)
- A Place to Create (2025) – South Australia’s 10-year policy for the arts, culture and creative industries (Ambitions: Regional South Australia is filled with vibrant arts and artists; Our arts, cultural and creative industries are accessible, equitable and inclusive)
- The SA visitor economy sector plan 2030 (Strategic priority 2: Experience and supply development)
- Kangaroo Island destination management plan (draft)
How can I be kept up to date on what’s happening or become involved?
Join our email list and follow us on Instagram @artmuseumkangarooisland. Please contact us at artmuseumkangarooisland@gmail.com if you have further questions.
Art Museum of Kangaroo Island 