Queensland Art Gallery Research Library
Photograph: Natasha Harth
Research Facilities
The Gallery’s Research Library collects specialist resources on the art and artists of Asia and the Pacific. These resources support the Australian Centre of Asia–Pacific Art (ACAPA). The Library also has collections relating to Australian, European and American art.
The Library is available to researchers, including postgraduate students, by making an appointment. More information about the Library’s location, access, collections services and online catalogue is available on the Research Library section of the website.
Asian and Pacific Research Collection
The Library has a substantial and growing collection of some 10 000 books, exhibition catalogues, journals, images, audiovisual resources and files on modern and contemporary art and artists of Asia and the Pacific. This collection is accessible through the Library’s online catalogue and is made available to researchers by appointment.
Collection Artists’ Archive
The Research Library holds extensive files on those artists whose works are represented in the Gallery’s Collection. See the A–Z List of Artists in the Collection for a complete list of names. These files include small exhibition catalogues, exhibition invitations, biographies and press clippings. Documentation about the art works acquired by the Gallery is also included.
This material is available to researchers by appointment. Researchers also have access to the database on the Gallery’s art collection through the Research Library.
Asian and Pacific Artists’ Archive
In addition to its Collection Artists’ Archive, the Library holds some 2 000 files on artists who live and work in Asia and the Pacific. These files include small catalogues, exhibition invitations, biographies, press clippings, images and other material. The database of Asian and Pacific artists is accessible by contacting the Research Library.
Asia–Pacific Triennial Archive
The Research Library documents the Asia–Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT) projects from 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002 and 2006. This broad collection of documentary material about each Triennial includes exhibition catalogues, educational resources, videos of artists’ talks, images, media releases, reviews and reports, and is available to researchers by appointment.
QAG Exhibitions Files and Database
In addition to the Asia–Pacific Triennial Archive, the Library documents and collects material about the Gallery’s exhibitions, which include exhibitions with Asian or Pacific themes and artists. The Gallery's online exhibition archive, dating from 2002, is complemented by a list of Asian and Pacific projects (dating from 1989, and including exhibitions with an Asia–Pacific focus).
These extensive exhibition files include exhibition catalogues, educational resources, promotional materials, press cuttings, brochures, images and audiovisual resources. The QAG Exhibitions Database is available onsite to researchers.
Building the Library’s Collections
The Library has an active publications exchange program with many Australian and international art libraries and museums. Exchange publications form a significant and valuable part of the Library’s research collection and documentation. For more information, please contact the Exchange Librarian.
Galleries and artists are invited to send exhibition catalogues, invitations and biographies for inclusion in the Library’s Asian and Pacific research collection. The Library also welcomes donations of material about the art and artists of Asia and the Pacific. Please contact the Senior Librarian to discuss potential gifts.
Future Developments
In 2007 the Research Library moved to expanded premises on level 3 of the Gallery of Modern Art. In conjunction with the Australian Centre of Asia–Pacific Art, these new facilities enhance access to the Asian and Pacific research collection and archives.
