When we give together, even the smallest gifts become part of a bigger legacy.  

In 2026, Geelong Gallery celebrates its 130th anniversary. Throughout its history, Geelong Gallery’s contributions to the arts and culture of the Geelong region demonstrates the discernible power of collective giving. The 2026 Annual Appeal will continue the recent tradition of supporting the delivery of important exhibitions to the Geelong region, this year with all funds received by 30 June 2026 from the Appeal directly assisting the delivery of the 2026-27 summer exhibition, Eric Thake—Do You See What I See?  

The cost to curate, transport and install such important artworks is significant. Geelong Gallery relies on your support to continue sharing important exhibitions, like Eric Thake—Do You See What I See? right here in Geelong. To continue this, we do need your help.  

Above all, each individual gift combined matters to make the biggest impact. We invite and encourage you to support the 2026 Annual Appeal by making a tax-deductible donation today.   

Questions? Reach out to Membership and Fundraising Coordinator, Marguerite Gibson, by email (marguerite@geelonggallery.org.au) or telephone (03)5229 3645  

The growth of the Gallery’s collection has been due to donations of works of art by individuals, donations of works of art through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program and monetary donations from individuals, foundations, and trusts towards the purchase of works of art. 

Geelong Gallery is a registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) with the Australian Taxation Office.  

Cultural Gifts Program

Donations of works of art can be made under the Cultural Gifts Program to Geelong Gallery. This program encourages gifts of significant cultural items to public art galleries by offering donors a tax deduction for the agreed market value of their gifts. 

The Cultural Gifts Program is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, Sport and the Arts, Office for the Arts. For detailed information on this program visit their website:  

Cultural Gifts Program | Office for the Arts 

Proposing a Gift

Geelong Gallery welcomes inquiries regarding donations of works of art. All proposed gifts are carefully considered and assessed in line with the Gallery’s Acquisition Strategy and Collection Development policies.

If you wish to propose a work of art as a gift, please email 

Lisa Sullivan
Assistant Director, Curatorial
lisa@geelonggallery.org.au

Please include the following information:

• Your contact details 

• Name of artist 

• Title of work 

• Date of work 

• Medium 

• Dimensions (H × W × D in cm) 

• Images of the work 

• Provenance (outline how you acquired the work and any knowledge of previous ownership) 

• Detail whether the proposed work is a straight gift, or a gift through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program  

All proposed gifts require curatorial review and research . Geelong Gallery’s assessment and approval process may take up to six months. We appreciate your patience during this time. 

Processing times for gifts through the Cultural Gifts Program are subject to the Office for the Arts.  

Frequently asked questions—Cultural Gifts Program | Office for the Arts 

A bequest to Geelong Gallery is a precious gift and most generous way of making a lasting contribution to the Gallery. Such a legacy will enable present and future generations to draw inspiration and have transformative experiences from this much-loved institution.

Making a bequest in your Will is a straightforward process. After considering your family and loved ones, you can make a real and positive difference to Greater Geelong’s community and cultural landscape.

The Gallery maintains a permanent record of its benefactors and will acknowledge your generosity in a manner you feel appropriate or anonymously. We will always respect your wishes.

Your generosity is Geelong Gallery’s future. Download our Bequest brochure for more information.

We are happy to discuss how you can support the Gallery and any personal requests or special areas of interest you may have. For more information about our bequest program, please contact the Gallery on 03 5229 3645 or info@geelonggallery.org.au

Dorothy McAllister Bequest—provides funds for the acquisition of early British (1780–1820) and Australian porcelain as well as examples of work by Geelong’s Colonial silversmiths.

Sybil Craig Bequest—provides funds for the acquisition of works on paper.

Dr Colin Holden Bequest—provides funds to ensure the Gallery will continue to collect, exhibit and research in the field of Australian and International printmaking.

John and Bette Mann—provides funds to support young Australian artists by enabling the Gallery to acquire their works for the collection.

Margery Rix Bequest—provides funds to present exhibitions and acquire works of art for the enjoyment and education of
our community.

JB Ryan Perpetual Trust—provides funds for the acquisition of works of art.

Express your appreciation for someone special with a Gift in Honour. Your donation can be made in recognition of a special event, or perhaps a final tribute in remembrance of a special life.

If suitable, Geelong Gallery will send a letter of appreciation to the person or persons you designate your gift to, informing them of your donation in their honour, or that of their loved one.

For further information contact us at andrew@geelonggallery.org.au

Donations over $2.00 made to Geelong Gallery Limited are eligible for a tax deduction. Geelong Gallery Limited is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) from 01 July 2000 and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) from 3 December 2012.