Tate Heads Down Under

Tate Britain Photo via: threestalbanslodg

Tate has teamed up with Australian developer Mirvac to oversee the development of a new cultural complex in Barangaroo, Sydney.

But there’s no plan for a Tate Sydney just yet. Talking to the Sydney Morning Herald Courtney Miller, spokeswoman for the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, made it clear that the British institution was only “acting as a consultant with Mirvac.”

The Australian newspaper describes the complex as the “cultural heart” of a vast regeneration project, which will spread over 22 hectares, and is slated to open in 2018.

The MAC and the Art Gallery of New South Wales—which has announced an exhibition partnership with Tate starting in 2016—are also involved in advising Mirvac.

“Barangaroo should contribute to Sydney’s cultural life,” continued Miller. “It sits right next to a cultural precinct so there is no need to reinvent the wheel, however, the development should support and encourage Sydney’s cultural institutions and help foster further investment in our creative culture.”

Talking to the SMH, an AGNSW spokeswoman insisted that Barangaroo complex won’t impact on Sydney Modern, the museum’s $400 million expansion plan, announced by director Michael Brand in March 2013.

“Developments at Barangaroo are not seen to pose any threat to the gallery’s expansion plans,” she said.


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