Left to right: Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, director, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and Kerrie Mather CEO, Sydney Airport
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is partnering with Sydney Airport to install a large-scale contemporary art commission in the Terminal 1 (T1) Marketplace in 2018.
The MCA will select an Australian artist to create new, large-scale artwork, creating a unique and memorable statement for passengers as they depart Australia. The artwork will complement the recent transformation of T1, which now boasts soaring 17m-high (56ft) ceilings and floor length windows within the Marketplace, located in the departures area.
Kerrie Mather, managing director and CEO, Sydney Airport, said, “We’re proud to announce this unique and exciting collaboration as we continue to strengthen our commitment to the arts, connecting the airport to Sydney’s vibrant arts culture.
“The MCA is an iconic part of Sydney’s arts and cultural community and we look forward to drawing on their cutting edge expertise and network as part of this partnership. Sydney Airport is proud to be nurturing and supporting local artists.”
Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, director, MCA, said, “The MCA is delighted to be working with Sydney Airport on this commission that will connect local and global audiences with the work of a leading contemporary Australian artist.
“In addition to our wonderful collection and major exhibitions, the MCA has a significant commitment to supporting today’s artists and engaging with communities. This partnership with Sydney Airport allows us to reach beyond the one million visitors we get to the museum every year.”
More than 42 million passengers travel through Sydney Airport, with about 15 million of those traveling through the T1 International terminal. The commission will form a striking addition to Sydney Airport’s very significant existing art collection, which is featured throughout and around the airport terminals.
Given the scale of the project, a number of leading Australian contemporary artists will be specially selected to submit a proposal for the project. Representatives from the MCA and Sydney Airport will then assess the proposals before announcing the successful artist later this year. The installation will be completed in 2018.
