f r e q u e n t l y    a s k e d    q u e s t i o n s

Times and Charges
Q. When is the Gallery open?
A. 10am – 5pm, 7 days a week. Closed Christmas day and Good Friday and from 1pm-5m on ANZAC Day.

Q. Is there an entry charge?
A. No, admission to the Gallery is free. There may however be an admission charge for some temporary exhibitions.

Q. Why is there a charge for entry into some exhibitions?
A. The cost of bringing exhibitions from interstate or overseas is supported by revenue generating programs (entry fees, functions, etc) and sponsorship. Gallery’s funding would preclude these sorts of exhibitions, which can only be self-supporting financially.

Q. Do carers have to pay?
A. No entry is free for carers accompanying a disabled visitor

General
Q. What’s on display?
A. The State Art Collection has over 15,000 artworks of which approximately 10% are on display in the gallery at any one time, this may include painting, prints, sculpture, photography and craft. The Gallery has both Historical and contemporary work and an excellent display of Indigenous art. Collection displays are rotated regularly and are supported by a program of temporary exhibitions.

Q. Why can’t I take photographs?
A. The works on display are subject to copyright restrictions. In Western Australia the copyright precludes photographing original works or art.

Q. Why can’t I take in my water bottle?
A. Both food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibition galleries. This is to protect the works of art from accidental damage through a visitor being knocked, tripping, etc.

Q. Why are some works behind glass.
A. This is to protect the artwork from potential damage by touching. This and many other security strategies are designed to preserve works for future generations.

Q. Why is it so cold?
A. The environment is maintained at specified levels in order to keep the works of art in good condition. The exhibition contract specifies these levels, which are in accordance with international art museum standards.

Q. Can I sketch in the Gallery.
A. Yes however chalk-based products and charcoal are not permitted in the Gallery spaces as dust picked up by the air-conditioning may damage artworks. Permission for “wet sketching” - the use of oils, acrylics and watercolour paints must be obtained in advanced by contacting Public Programs on 08 9492 6644.

Q. Do you run art classes?
A. No we suggest you contact your local council for any recreation programs including art classes or contact a commercial art school.

Tours
Q. Do you have Gallery tours?
A. The Gallery schedules free public tours of the Collection and Exhibitions every Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sun at 1pm. Tours change monthly. An additional “Friday Focus” tour at 12:30pm focuses on a particular work on display,

Q. Can I have a special tour with my group?
A. Customised tours can be arranged through Public Programs. They are free but require a minimum of 2 weeks notice. Click to go to the Tours and Talks page.

Volunteers
Q. Do you have a volunteer program?
A. A large number of volunteers contribute to the various functions of the Art Gallery and work in many different areas, ie information desk, curatorial, education and library. The Gallery recruits and trains volunteers annually. For more information telephone the Volunteer Services Coordinator Adrian Griffiths 94926642 during business hours

Conservation & Artwork Valuation
Q. Does the Art Gallery sell works of art?
A. No the Art Gallery of Western Australia is an art museum, not a commercial art gallery.

Q. Can you value my art work?
A. No, it is the policy of the Art Gallery not to value works of art, however we suggest you contact a commercial art gallery or an art dealer. These are listed in the Yellow pages under auctioneers.

Q. Can you fix my artwork?
A. Our conservation staff can help you with advice on how to repair or conserve work but are unable to do the work themselves.

Q. Where can I find information about the conservation of artworks.
A. The following websites are used by our chief conservator.

- http://stanford.edu (search under conservation)
- for information on museum best practice http://www.amol.org.au

Research
Q. I need information for a school assignment on a WA artist can you help?
A. If the local library cannot help and you cannot find the information on the Internet ask your teacher to recommend where to find the information. Universities such as Curtin and University of Western Australia have comprehensive libraries. You do not have to be a student to use them for research purposes, only if you want to borrow a book.
The following art directories are available at the Alexander Library and many local libraries. The dictionary of art editor Jane Turner, 1996: 34 volumes
The Oxford dictionary of art edited by Ian Chilvers & Harold Osborne, 1997.

Q. How do I find out about a particular Western Australian Artist.
A. Try your local library or the Internet. If they are a living artists their details may be listed with: Artsource – PH 9226 2122 or they may be listed in the Community Arts & Culture Directory, which is part coordinated through Community Arts Network 9226 2422.