ABSTRACT
<< ABSTRACT By establishing the socio-political context in Australia at the turn of the century this chapter reveals the environment in which exhibitions were created. Examples discussed demonstrate different models for temporary exhibitions at the time along with the individuals who were important to their development. Due to limited institutional capacity, it is often private investors or sponsors that advanced these approaches and helped develop the audience’s appetite for temporary exhibitions. Many of these exhibitions demonstrate the hallmarks of current blockbusters: popular appeal, extensive marketing and scale. The chapter focuses primarily on exhibitions of art because it was in this realm that the precursors to current blockbuster models can be clearly identified. Moreover, these exhibitions attracted significant audiences: one of the markers of a blockbuster.
