Have your say on the Art Gallery’s new name

Published on 17 September 2019

World class art collection? Check. New gallery being built on the iconic Quay Street to show it off? Check. A name for this new gallery? Now it’s time for our community to have their say!

Rockhampton Regional Council has today released three possible names for public consultation - Rockhampton Museum of Art, Rex Gallery Rockhampton, and Thozet Art Gallery.

Council’s Chair of Community Services Councillor Rose Swadling said this is an opportunity for the community to be involved in the naming of what will become one of the Region’s most visited attractions.

“The new Rockhampton art gallery will be a building for everyone – young and old, locals and visitors, for those that love art and for those that have never visited a gallery before,” Cr Swadling said.

“It is only fitting then that the community is involved in this very important next chapter and share their opinion on what they would like to see the new gallery named, which will then help inform Council’s decision.

“Deciding on a name in these early stages will allow us to market the gallery, from merchandise in the gift store right through to nationwide marketing campaigns, and build anticipation for its opening in mid-2021.”

Residents are encouraged to submit their feedback on the three suggested names through Council’s community engagement website: https://engage.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/

Public consultation will close on Friday 18^th of October 2019.

Shortlisted names:

1. Rockhampton Museum of Art

   This is simple and contains all the key elements – the location and both museum and art (in line with best international practice, this speaks to an international audience).

2. Rex Gallery Rockhampton

   This name is in honour of Rex Pilbeam. The name already strikes a chord with Rockhampton residents and provides a bookend for Quay Street / Victoria Parade with the Pilbeam Theatre. By including “Rockhampton” in the name it also allows branding to have instant recognition of when it’s used in out of region collateral.

3. Thozet Art Gallery

   A French political refugee who fled Europe for Australia in the 1850s, Anthelme Thozet was an engineer and botanical collector. He has a strong history associated with donating plant specimens from around the Rockhampton region. The name has strong local appeal and is an opportunity to tell the story of one of Rockhampton’s historical figures.

The Rockhampton Art Gallery is jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Rockhampton Regional Council.