Key Takeaways
- The future of the Northern Territory Art Gallery (NTAG) in Darwin’s CBD remains uncertain, with a government decision on its use expected in mid-2026.
- The building’s construction costs have blown out by nearly $100 million, from an initial estimate of $50 million to $145 million.
- The Country Liberal Party (CLP) government has scrapped the former Labor government’s planned art gallery and is considering other proposals for the building’s use.
- The government has left the door open for the building to be used as an art gallery, but the type of art to be exhibited is uncertain.
- Industry lobby group Tourism Top End has submitted an expression of interest for use of part of the State Square Building.
Introduction to the Uncertainty
The plans for the Northern Territory Art Gallery (NTAG) in Darwin’s CBD have been shrouded in uncertainty, with the government’s decision on its use not expected until mid-2026. The building, which was initially estimated to cost $50 million, has seen its construction costs blow out by nearly $100 million, with the final cost coming in at $145 million. The NTAG was intended to be a new government-run gallery to showcase artworks from the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT’s (MAGNT) collection, primarily featuring pieces from the NT and Asia. However, the Country Liberal Party (CLP) government has scrapped the former Labor government’s planned art gallery and is considering other proposals for the building’s use.
The Change in Government and Its Impact
The change in government has had a significant impact on the plans for the NTAG. The CLP government, which swept to power at last year’s election, has rebranded the building as the State Square Building and has left the door open for it to be used as an art gallery. However, the type of art to be exhibited is uncertain, and the government has said that it is considering splitting up the lease. The government has also said that "wasteful spending" by the previous Labor government was behind the need to put the building out to tender. The Treasurer, Bill Yan, stated that the previous government’s plans for the NTAG were not funded for operational costs, which is why a tender is now out to secure a future use for the building.
The Reaction from the Art World
The art world has reacted with criticism to the NT government’s plans for the building. A leading figure in Australia’s art world has labeled the government’s plan to split up the lease as "pure madness." The art critic’s comments come as the government has released financial figures showing that around $26.8 million was spent by the Labor government on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia (ATSIAGA) in Alice Springs, and planning for the Myilly Point museum, which was abandoned in 2018. The ATSIAGA was scrapped this year after a rift between the NT and federal governments.
The Expression of Interest
Industry lobby group Tourism Top End has submitted an expression of interest (EOI) for use of part of the State Square Building. The EOI is in partnership with other Darwin businesses, which would utilize the entire building. The group’s general manager, Samantha Bennett, stated that the EOI is an opportunity for the building to be used in a way that benefits Territorians, boosts the economy, and makes the city center a destination. The government has said that it is reviewing applications, with a decision expected mid-2026. The Arts Minister, Jinson Charls, has stated that he is "eagerly awaiting" the outcome from the pending applications.
The Future of the Building
The future of the State Square Building remains uncertain, with the government’s decision on its use not expected until mid-2026. The building’s construction costs have blown out by nearly $100 million, and the government has said that it is considering splitting up the lease. The art world has reacted with criticism to the government’s plans, and industry lobby group Tourism Top End has submitted an expression of interest for use of part of the building. The government has left the door open for the building to be used as an art gallery, but the type of art to be exhibited is uncertain. As the government reviews applications, the people of Darwin await the outcome, eager to know what the future holds for the State Square Building.