December 17 2020

The Fox: NGV Contemporary

By The Ian Potter Foundation

Artist impression of winning design
Daytime render of winning concept design for The Fox: NGV Contemporary by Angelo Candalepas and Associates, and public green space, facing south. Render by Darcstudio.

In December 2020,The Ian Potter Foundation confirmed its support of the NGV’s vision for a new contemporary art museum announcing a $20 million commitment towards the construction of NGV Contemporary.

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“It is our hope that this $20 million grant commitment will provide the NGV with real momentum as it seeks to complete an ambitious fundraising program in support of the construction of The Fox: NGV Contemporary. The Foundation was thrilled to learn in March 2022 of the incredible $100 million gift from Lindsay Fox, AC, Paula Fox, AO and the Fox family in support of the construction of The Fox: NGV Contemporary.

The Fox: NGV Contemporary is part of a $1.4 billion investment in the first stages of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation. The Ian Potter Foundation recognises the significant contribution by the Victorian government supporting Australia’s largest ever cultural infrastructure project including funding for the construction of NGV Contemporary, a world-class contemporary art gallery that seems certain to affirm Melbourne’s reputation as one of the world’s great art cities.

The National Gallery of Victoria’s iconic St Kilda Road building was officially opened in August 1968. This was followed by the opening of The Ian Potter Centre – NGV Australia in Federation Square in December 2003. As Australia’s oldest, largest and most visited art museum, it seems timely now to be considering the addition of a purpose-built contemporary art gallery that will allow the NGV to display its vast collection of Australian contemporary artwork and design.

The location of The Fox: NGV Contemporary within the Southbank cultural triangle will add a globally significant contemporary art gallery to the established and significant institutions within that triangle – the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, The Australian Ballet, The Malthouse Theatre, The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, the Melbourne Recital Centre, Buxton Contemporary and the Victorian College of the Arts – cementing Melbourne’s arts precinct as a globally significant centre of artistic and cultural excellence.

The Governors of The Ian Potter Foundation regard the development of The Fox: NGV Contemporary to be of national and international significance. The Fox: NGV Contemporary is an ambitious undertaking but the NGV’s impressive board and leadership team have shown great vision and we expect them to be successful.

Electing to support the development of The Fox: NGV Contemporary is consistent with the Foundation’s long history as a funder of the arts in Australia. For over 50 years, The Ian Potter Foundation has taken an active leadership role in supporting arts organisations seeking to raise the bar of aspiration and achievement in the sector. The Ian Potter Foundation is pleased once again to advocate for philanthropic involvement in our key cultural institutions."

Charles Goode, Chairman of The Ian Potter Foundation