12 April 2024, Sydney Today the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA Australia) welcomed its 20 millionth visitor. This significant milestone marks the enduring impact and cultural significance of MCA Australia since its inception.
MCA Australia opened its doors in 1991, through a bequest by Australian artist John Power to make contemporary art accessible to all Australians, attracting an estimated 100,000 visitors. Over the past 33 years it has firmly established itself as the leading platform for contemporary art in Australia and beyond, and a much-loved cultural destination for Australian and international audiences alike.
The Museum celebrated its major milestone with the MCA Board, advisory groups, staff, artists, supporters, and NSW Minister for the Arts, The Honourable John Graham MLC, coming together to welcome the 20 millionth visitor into the Museum. Guests enjoyed a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on Tallawoladah Lawn, then lined the Museum’s foyer stairwell in a celebratory procession alongside a performance by contemporary artists and drummers Tina Havelock Stevens and Chloe Kim.
MCA Australia Director Suzanne Cotter, Chair Lorraine Tarabay and the NSW Minister for the Arts, The Honourable John Graham MLC, then presented the visitor, Alana Hunt an artist from Sydney, with a life membership to the Museum.
The NSW Minister for the Arts, John Graham, said, 'Since its establishment in 1991, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia has been at the forefront of contemporary art in Australia, bringing leading international artists to our city, and showcasing our finest and most exciting contemporary artists to the world.
MCA Australia has and continues to be an innovative leader, prioritising Indigenous art and facilitating important networks across the city.
Through its commitment to artists and their work, as well as to diversity, accessibility and community engagement, the Museum has become a cornerstone of Sydney’s cultural identity, enriching our community and contributing to the tourism sector.'
MCA Australia Director, Suzanne Cotter said, 'Every visitor to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is special to us. Our 20 millionth visitor marks a very important milestone. The passion of our diverse and ever-growing audiences has been key to the Museum’s success. Welcoming our 20 millionth visitor is an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on the place of MCA Australia at the heart of cultural life in Sydney and Australia, and beyond.
MCA Australia is the only public museum in the country dedicated to contemporary art. Located on Sydney Harbour at Tallawoladah, a home to stories, art and culture for over 65,000 years, we connect the widest possible public to the art of now through our Collection, exhibitions, events, creative learning and access programs.
Our 20 millionth visitor is a testament to the unwavering dedication of MCA Australia staff and volunteers, the visionary support of patrons and sponsors, the contribution of our government partners, including Create NSW, Destination NSW and Creative Australia, and of course, our visitors themselves.'
The Museum continues to be one of Sydney’s most visited attractions by local and international audiences. In 2023, MCA Australia returned to pre-pandemic visitor levels.
MCA Australia’s access and learning programs continue to deliver an array of award-winning programs including: bangawarra Art Yarns: For older and Elder mob to support the wellbeing of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their families, and communities living with or at risk of dementia; Art Play for families; our Access programs designed for children and young people with disability and access requirements; djurali: Creative pathways workshops for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young adults aged 14–18 to learn about pathways into creative and cultural industries, and creative learning programs for primary and secondary school students and teachers.
As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, MCA Australia raises over 80% of its revenue each year through donations and commercial activities to deliver its artistic and engagement programs.
For more information on MCA Australia, please visit www.mca.com.au