Mosman Art Gallery is a leading cultural institution within Sydney that aims to be a place of connection with both the visual and performing arts, offering visitors valuable experiences which enrich and inspire, through exhibitions, art collection and programs. Established in 1998, the Gallery enjoys an enviable reputation for excellence in its program of visual art exhibitions, associated events and education activities.
In 2012, the Foundation’s founder Neil Balnaves AO donated a selection of art from his and wife Diane’s personal art collection to the Mosman Art Gallery and municipality. The Balnaves Gift is a collection, valued at over $1 million, of sixteen primarily Australian Impressionist and early twentieth century artworks all significant to Mosman, showing different historical views of Mosman, its bay and surrounds. Pieces included key works by Arthur Streeton, Conrad Martens, Will Ashton, Henry Fullwood, Elioth Gruner, George Halstead, James Ranalph Jackson, Matthew Charles Meere, Adelaide Elizabeth Perry, Sydney Long, Ethel Carrick Fox and Margaret Preston.
Art Mosman; Balnaves Education is designed to build greater connection between youth audiences and the general public with The Balnaves Gift. 2023 will see the fruition of this project which will include; QR Code Balnaves Gift signage along Mosman foreshore walking trails – a major permanent public program in partnership with Mosman Council reaching 50,000+ visitors annually; the activation of live youth events with Mosman Youth Art Prize and Youth Week, increasing youth participation with the Gallery; and a suite of education tools in following the NSW school’s curriculum, focused on critical engagement with The Balnaves Gift and Mosman’s cultural heritage.