ABSTRACT
<< ABSTRACT Starting with French Painting Today (1953) this chapter considers developments in exhibitions from the 1950s to 1980s. This was a time when most cultural institutions were comparatively well established but continued to experience challenges around funding, staffing and buildings. The administrative models for blockbuster exhibitions were formalised and their economic potential and ability to advance diplomatic agendas was recognised. A series of parallel developments supported this: advances in federal cultural support mechanisms; state-based initiatives; professional sector-based organisations; infrastructure development and increasing corporate involvement. Combined, these factors enabled public museums to stage blockbusters with increasing complexity and frequency. This was aided by the establishment of groups like the Australian Gallery Directors Council and the Australian Art Exhibitions Corporation who both assisted in the development and delivery of exhibitions in association with public institutions.
Key exhibitions
French Painting Today: Peintres Vivants de L’École de Paris, multiple Australian venues, 1953
Modern Masters: Manet to Matisse, Sydney and Melbourne, 1975
The Chinese Exhibition: A Selection of Recent Archaeological Finds of the People’s Republic of China, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, 1977
El Dorado: Columbian Gold, multiple Australian venues, 1978
USSR: Old Master Paintings, Melbourne and Sydney, 1979–80
Cook, Banks and Australia, multiple Australian venues, 1970>>
