The Art Makers: Uncovering the Story Behind Brisbane's Thriving Arts Galleries and Museum Scene

Brisbane's arts galleries and museum scene has seen a significant surge in recent years, with a total of 15 new exhibitions opening across the city in the past 12 months alone.

This growth matters now more than ever, as the city continues to establish itself as a major cultural hub. With the Queensland Government investing $70 million in arts and cultural initiatives over the next three years, the scene is poised for even further expansion. The influx of new exhibitions and programming has not only drawn in local audiences but also attracted visitors from across the country, contributing to the city's economic growth and solidifying its reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.

In Brisbane, the story behind the scene is one of collaboration and innovation. The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) on Grey Street in South Bank has been at the forefront of this growth, with its flagship exhibition, the Asia Pacific Triennial, drawing in over 600,000 visitors in 2022. Meanwhile, the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley has been pushing the boundaries of contemporary art, with its recent exhibition featuring works by local artist, Vernon Ah Kee. Other organisations, such as the Brisbane Street Art Festival and the Museum of Brisbane on Adelaide Street, have also been driving the city's cultural growth, with initiatives like the festival's annual street art competition and the museum's interactive exhibitions.

By the Numbers

A closer look at the data reveals the significant impact of the arts scene on the city's economy. According to a report by the Queensland Government, the arts and cultural sector contributed $8.5 billion to the state's economy in 2020-21, with Brisbane being a major driver of this growth. The report also found that the sector supported over 92,000 jobs across the state, with 45% of these being in Brisbane. In terms of visitor numbers, the Queensland Museum on Gregory Terrace in Bowen Hills saw a 25% increase in attendance in 2022, with over 700,000 visitors passing through its doors. With ticket prices ranging from $10 to $25 for adults, depending on the exhibition, the museum remains an accessible and affordable cultural destination for locals and visitors alike.

So what's next for Brisbane's arts galleries and museum scene? With the city's cultural growth showing no signs of slowing down, visitors can expect to see even more innovative and engaging exhibitions and programming in the coming months. The QAGOMA, for example, has announced plans to launch a new exhibition featuring works by Australian artist, Patricia Piccinini, in September 2026. Meanwhile, the IMA has confirmed that it will be hosting a major retrospective of works by Brisbane-born artist, Richard Bell, in November 2026. With so much on offer, there's never been a better time to explore Brisbane's thriving arts scene and experience the city's vibrant cultural landscape for yourself.