What We Do

 

The American Friends of the National Gallery of Australia is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to foster the visual arts and cultural exchanges between the United States and Australia, creating closer ties between the two countries.

AFNGA also works to secure gifts of important works of art as well as financial contributions to support the exhibition and educational programs of Australian public museums and galleries.

Since 2012, AFNGA has co-sponsored the AusArt Fellowship for Australian visual arts students undertaking study or research in the United States.

Each year AFNGA gathers artists, collectors and art enthusiasts for an exciting program of American and Australian art experiences. 

As an independent charitable organization gifts may be made to AFNGA to achieve tax deductibility in the United States. 

Mark Rothko, 1957 # 20 © Kate Rothko Prizel & Christopher Rothko. ARS/Copyright Agency

Mark Rothko, 1957 # 20 © Kate Rothko Prizel & Christopher Rothko. ARS/Copyright Agency

 

Our Story

The American Friends of the National Gallery of Australia was established in December 1982 by L. Gordon Darling AC, CMG, with the help of a small number of prominent New Yorkers with links to Australia.

A consummate supporter of the visual arts, Mr Darling sought to enrich Australia's national art collection through his endeavors with this generous foundation.

Over nearly forty years AFNGA has donated works of art valued in excess of $35 million to the NGA. With AFNGA’s support, the gallery has acquired major works by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Barnett Newman, Frank Lloyd Wright and many others.

AFNGA is guided by an eminent group of Australian expatriate and American art enthusiasts, collectors and professionals who use their corporate, personal and philanthropic ties to help further our mission.

Board of Directors

● Carolyn fletcher, Chair

● Michael Maher, President

● catherine devine, Treasurer

● elizabeth elder, Secretary

● David droga

● steve Martin

● Sara McKerihan

● daniel Tobin

● Ken Tyler

● Jill Viola

 

Explore some of the acquisitions that have been made possible by your generous donations

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