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27th Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM

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QAGOMA Foundation Christmas Function

The 22nd Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Leneen Forde AC; QAGOMA Foundation President, Mr Tim Fairfax AC and Mrs Gina Fairfax AC; Foundation Committee Members; Queensland Art Gallery Board Chair, Professor Emeritus Ian O’Connor AC and Trustees; QAGOMA Director, Mr Chris Saines CNZM; Gallery Members; benefactors; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and extend my respectful greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging.

What an honour it is for Graeme and I, as Joint Patrons of the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art Foundation, to welcome you here this evening.

We had the pleasure, just a week ago, of attending the opening of ‘Air’.  And what an exhibition it is, full of colour, creativity, mystery and meaning.

One might expect such a bold and sweeping topic as air, the very stuff that enables our human existence on the Earth, belongs in the world of science, or education, or politics.

But that’s the wonderful thing about art: It does not exist just to please and excite our senses, although this exhibition certainly does that.

It exists to provoke thought and discussion about the most vital subjects concerning humanity.

It can be just as visionary as it is aesthetically pleasing.

The role QAGOMA and the wider arts community plays in our society cannot be underestimated, and it cannot go unsupported.

That’s why your attendance here tonight, and your ongoing support in the cultural sphere, is so important, and so appreciated.

As Governor, I see my role as an ambassador for organisations that work for the greater good of Queenslanders, and a champion of individuals who seek to make a positive difference.

The QAGOMA Foundation is certainly one of those organisations, helping an institution that helps connect people across Queensland to the arts – to a world beyond the everyday, as well as to each other.

Thanks to each and every one of you for the time you give, and for your generosity.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!