

Strategic Plan 2001-2004		Foreword The National Gallery's plan for 1999-2001, Into the New Millennium, set a strategic direction which emphasised serving the public by providing access to works of art and information about them, locally, nationally and internationally. The Strategic Plan 2001-2004 builds on the achievements of the previous plan and sets eight goals for the next three years. The Gallery Council and the Gallery staff are committed with enthusiasm to achieving our ambitions as expressed in this strategic plan. The plan was developed in consultation with Gallery staff who will now move forward to realise the goals we have set. Through the achievement of these goals we intend to serve our public even better. Brian Kennedy, Director Harold Mitchell, Chairman Purpose The purpose of the National Gallery of Australia is to serve the public by enhancing understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts. It will serve the public through the effective and efficient use of its collections, which will be developed, researched, preserved, displayed, interpreted, promoted and complemented with exhibitions and loans. The Gallery aims to provide access to and information about works of art, locally, nationally and internationally. This purpose is consistent with the National Gallery Act 1975, which directs the Gallery to: develop and maintain a national collection of works of art; exhibit, or to make available for exhibition by others, works of art from the national collection or works of art that are in the possession of the Gallery; use every endeavour to make most advantageous use of the national collection in the national interest. Vision To meet the cultural needs of the people of Australia as their national art gallery, through the quality of the collection, the excellence of the exhibitions and programs, and the professionalism of our staff. Strategic planning context This strategic plan maps the goals and direction of the National Gallery of Australia for the period 2001-2004. From this, annual plans and strategies will be developed which will provide the framework against which outputs and performance are measured. Goals Over the next three years the National Gallery of Australia will realise its vision through the achievement of eight goals that are consistent with its policies. Goal 1 Acquire premium works of art To acquire works of art of outstanding aesthetic quality, thereby enhancing the reputation of the national collection and increasing public understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts. Key strategies Identify premium works of art and position the Gallery to acquire them Attract funding to facilitate the acquisition of premium works of art Our success will be measured by The acquisition of premium works of art The degree to which works acquired strengthen the collection Goal 2 Strengthen and refine the national collection To enhance the public understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts, the National Gallery of Australia will build on the strengths of the national collection by acquiring important works of art and by refining the existing collection. Key strategies Identify works of art that build on the strengths of the collection and position the Gallery to acquire them Continue the coordinated review of works of art to ensure that they are consistent with collection development policy and, where appropriate, dispose of works of art Research, document and publish information on the national collection Attract funding to facilitate the acquisition of works of art Our success will be measured by The degree to which works acquired strengthen the collection The degree to which disposal of works refines the collection The proportion of the national collection reviewed The extent to which the collection generates popular and scholarly use Goal 3 Maintain and protect the national collection To maintain and protect the national collection and loans through the highest standards of care, including conservation, security, display, storage and documentation. Key strategies Undertake research into the national collection to assess its condition and maintenance requirements Implement appropriate measures to preserve and protect the national collection and works on loan to the Gallery Use appropriate technology and techniques to care for and manage the national collection Review storage requirements and conditions for the national collection and develop future storage strategies Our success will be measured by The proportion of the national collection that is maintained at acceptable standards of storage, display, documentation, safety and security The percentage of the national collection reviewed The percentage of works conserved to appropriate standards Goal 4 Deliver an outstanding exhibition and display program To provide people with stimulating, informative and enjoyable experiences of works of art through exciting and varied exhibitions, travelling exhibitions and displays. Key strategies Deliver a stimulating and varied exhibitions program Deliver a high quality travelling exhibitions program throughout Australia and overseas Continue to develop the exhibitions program incorporating major international exhibitions Promote Australian art and international art and the relationship between them through the display of works from the national collection complemented by loans Our success will be measured by The extent to which people's experience of Gallery exhibitions and displays enhances their understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts The satisfaction of visitors and the art community with Gallery exhibitions and displays The number of people attending Gallery exhibitions and displays Goal 5 Promote and enhance access to the visual arts To promote understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts by providing information, and stimulating interest through access to the national collection, education and public programs, loans of works of art, publications, merchandise and electronic and multimedia access. Key strategies Support the national collection and Gallery exhibitions with a range of public, educational and membership programs and events Facilitate research and provide information about the national collection and the visual arts Publish material and provide merchandise relating to the national collection and Gallery programs Stimulate discussion and debate on art, art museums and issues relating to the visual arts Promote Australian visual arts and Australian art scholarship in the international arena Enhance communication with the public through the use of new technology Enhance access for people with special needs Promote the national collection and Gallery programs and activities through strategic marketing, promotions and representation Our success will be measured by The extent to which people's experience of Gallery programs and activities enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts The level of satisfaction of people who access Gallery programs The number of people accessing Gallery programs and activities Increased awareness of and association with the national collection and Gallery programs and activities Goal 6 Sustain an encouraging and inclusive environment for all staff To provide an encouraging, supportive and equitable environment in which all staff will have the opportunity to fulfil their roles and responsibilities and contribute to achieving the goals of the National Gallery of Australia. Key strategies Implement the Individual Development and Performance Agreement, including staff training and development Engage staff in the Gallery's planning, delivery and reporting processes Encourage staff to be innovative and to continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative and operational processes Increase staff engagement with the national collection and the visual arts by expanding art education programs to all staff and volunteers Develop strategies that promote and recognise staff achievements and their professional activities Continue to develop and refine strategies for succession planning Our success will be measured by The level of staff satisfaction and feedback Staff achievement and professional recognition Goal 7 Refurbish and enhance the National Gallery building To refurbish and enhance the National Gallery's building to better display, maintain and protect works of art and to improve facilities for visitors and staff. Key strategies Implement Stage 1 of the agreed building program with regard to Gallery programs and resources Develop and deliver a public relations and communications strategy to inform the staff and the public about the building program Implement the strategic facilities management and maintenance plan Secure funding for the building program beyond Stage 1 Our success will be measured by The completion of stages of the building program on time and within budget The extent to which building program objectives are met The funding secured for the building program beyond Stage 1 Goal 8 Increase and broaden our revenue base To secure additional financial and other resources from the public and private sectors of the community to assist the National Gallery of Australia in achieving its goals. Key strategies Seek increased operating funds from Government to support the growing national collection and increased service delivery Increase private sector support for the Gallery Increase merchandising and commercial revenue Increase the public sector capital funding base Secure Government support and funding for further building refurbishment and enhancement Our success will be measured by An increase in operational funding from Government An increase in revenue from non-Government sources An increase in capital funding from Government