State Records of South Australia provides an overview on Freedom of Information in South Australia. Under the Freedom of Information Act 1991, members of the public have a legal right to access documents held by the Art Gallery of South Australia, subject to certain exemptions.

About AGSA

The Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) was founded in 1881 and its mission is to serve the South Australian and wider communities by providing access to original works of art of the highest quality. AGSA presents a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, focus exhibitions of international and Australian art and three flagship offerings that include the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art, Tarnanthi Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art and the Ramsay Art Prize.

The AGSA collection comprises almost 47,000 works of art spanning 2000 years and includes paintings, sculpture, prints and drawings, photographs and videos, textiles and clothing, ceramics, glass, metalwork, jewellery, and furniture. It exists for our audiences – to comprehend the past, to navigate the present, and as a potent avenue to imagine the future. Placing art, artists and audiences at the very heart of who we are guides AGSA’s artistic and public programs. AGSA contributes positively to cultural cohesion, social well-being, creativity, engaged citizenship and the economic life in South Australia.

Documents held by AGSA

In meeting AGSA’s Charter and Goals, the Gallery holds a range of documents which fall broadly into the categories of:

  • Collection Management: Documents relating to the acquisition, research, interpretation and preservation of works of art.
  • Public Engagement:  Documents relating to the function of increasing knowledge and understanding of visual art through education, exhibition, promotion, outreach and visitor services.
  • Administration: Documents relating to the preservation of corporate knowledge such as policies, procedures and guidelines, minutes of meetings, and correspondence.
  • Governance: Documents relating to board minutes and papers.

Public Access to Agency Documents

AGSA’s website provides a range of information regarding policies, operations and management.

State Records of South Australia provides information on making an FOI application.

Procedures of the Agency

Any queries related to FOI at AGSA can be directed to foi@artgallery.sa.gov.au

Disclosure Log

From 1 October 2017, State Government Agencies are required to publish on their website details and documents that have already been disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 that:

  • Are not related to the personal affairs of an individual;
  • Could not be claimed as exempt under Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act when publicly released; and
  • Could not be considered defamatory or a breach of confidentiality or reasonably be anticipated to cause harm to a person.

Please note that some determinations available for public access may have additional information removed. For example, information relating to the personal affairs of an applicant may be redacted, prior to public release.

Reference No.

17789719

Date of Determination

14 June 2023

FOI Request

Access to acquisition records of works of art purchased by the Art Gallery of South Australia by artists from the Anangu Pitjantjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia from 2016 through to 2023.

Determination

Released in part

Reference No.

18688050

Date of Determination

5 January 2024

FOI Request

Access to Art Gallery Board Agendas and Minutes from 1/6/2023 to 7/12/2023

Determination

Released in part

Reference No.

18822606

Date of Determination

7 February 2024

FOI Request

Access to Directors Reports and CFO Reports prepared for the Art Gallery Board for the meetings of 28 June, 14 September, and 18 October 2023.

Determination

Released in part

Documents

For a copy of the document please contact foi@artgallery.sa.gov.au