Mosman Art Gallery
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. The culmination of this project, the Mosman Art Trail, launched in April 2024. The Art Trail is a 10km walk along which are 10 signs featuring 12 works from The Balnaves Gift which are each located at the site the painting was created, depicting the views of the Mosman foreshore that inspired these artists and still draw visitors today. Each sign also includes a QR Code linking to the Gallery’s website which has more information about each work and an audio guide narrated by actor Claudia Karvan. The Trail represents a major permanent public program in partnership with Mosman Council which will reach 50,000+ visitors annually, increasing youth participation with the Gallery.
Mosman Art Gallery have also created a suite of education tools directly targeting school-based education from preschool, primary, secondary to tertiary students and includes access for all. The program is based on the Gallery’s reputation as a leading national destination for early Australian Impressionist artworks and The Balnaves Gift. These resources have been developed by Artist Educator Cameron Stead to compliment the NSW Curriculum and are designed to support students and teachers to learn more about the history of works, artists and themes.
For more information on The Balnaves Gift, click here.
For more information on the Mosman Art Trail, click here.