Home > About ACGA > about the acga

Knowledge > about the acga > About Acga

about acga

The acga is the leading national body representing commercial art galleries in the primary market.

Its members are among the most important and exciting galleries in Australia with a commitment to professional and ethical practice in the primary visual arts market, and common core values.

our mission

The acga exists to be the collective voice of contemporary art galleries driving innovation, ethics and excellence for the primary market through leadership, advocacy and service. acga members develop the livelihood and reputation of Australian artists while enhancing the value and understanding of contemporary art within communities and cultivating the Australian art market and living Australian culture.

our vision

The acga is the leading voice for commercial art galleries representing living Australian artists, cultivating ethics, expertise and excellence in the visual arts.

history

The acga was established as an incorporated association in 1976. Its then goals were to "promote Australian artists and Australian art" to protect "the good name and interests of the art trade" and to "make representations to Government Department and other bodies as…necessary or desirable".

Founding members included representatives of fifteen galleries in Sydney and Melbourne. Membership has since grown to over fifty members, with five state chapters and a National Board including representatives from all states of Australia.

In 2000 the acga became a private, not-for-profit company with goals that have developed in relation to an expanding market and membership. As the sole professional group representing the perspectives of the primary market, and as the owner of the Melbourne Art Fair, the acga has a critical role to play in Australian visual arts infrastructure.