By Lauren Ferrone
Nick Mitzevich wants South Australians to “learn about art at their front door” – without ever having to leave Adelaide.
The Art Gallery of South Australia‘s director plans to do this with the creation of a world-class contemporary art gallery he calls ‘Adelaide Contemporary’.
“We’re in an artistic revolution; this is why the State now needs world class contemporary art to create a more ambitious and progressive Adelaide,” Nick says.
More than just a “second art gallery site” in Adelaide, Nick says the gallery would showcase 135 years of the State’s authentic and cultural identity.
“It’s a collection worth $1 billion and is the State’s single largest asset,” Nick says. “We currently have a collection of 42,000 pieces bursting at the seams,” he adds.
Nick Mitzevich with South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill
According to Nick, the collection now sits in an anonymous storehouse and is not accessible to the public.
“I think it’s a huge missed opportunity. Imagine a collection that is a magnet for history and entertainment… and, you don’t have to buy it, make it, or import it; it’s already here,” he says.
Nick says art collections define “how we see the world”.
“The best collections are those that are contemporary and resonate with us. Re-imagining of what collections can do when liberated from storages has only just begun in Adelaide,” he says.
“Art is an amazing time capsule that can transport me to any place in the world. Art gives us possibilities and is one part of the missing puzzle.”
Nick with South Australian artist, Robert Hannaford
Nick expects Adelaide Contemporary to create 1,000 construction jobs, attract small local businesses and become a new tourism destination in the State, one that is accessible every day of the year.
“To truly make a creative national and international impact, we need a new permanent anchor to provide a constant daily, 365 day, year-round attracting restaurants and businesses, but also provides opportunity to be energised by art,” he says.
The 2015-2016 State Budget awarded 500,000 to further develop the Adelaide Contemporary business case.
A number of inner-city sites are on Nick’s radar for the Adelaide Contemporary site, with an aim to have the project fully realised in the next five to six years.
“Let’s fast forward and imagine what [Adelaide Contemporary] might achieve; economic impact, creativity, cultural capital, and confidence in creative class of this state,” he says.
“Let’s make billion work for South Australia, and imagine the potential for year round entertainment that is visible, accessible and useful.
“Adelaide Contemporary is a bold idea that has been 135 years in the making and belongs to South Australia.”