'The BIG HOSE' - Tony Albert & Nell

Tony Albert and Nell’s vision for QAGOMA’s monumental playscape ‘The BIG HOSE’ prioritises children’s learning and celebrates their inquisitive nature.

'The BIG HOSE' - Tony Albert & Nell

IF GOMA WERE A HUGE ‘QUEENSLANDER’, WHAT MIGHT BE IN ITS FRONT YARD?

This was the question posed by collaborating contemporary Australian artists Tony Albert (Brisbane, Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji peoples) and Nell (Sydney), whose winning submission will result in the first permanent artist-led, interactive play sculpture in Queensland’s Cultural Centre.

THEIR ANSWER: THE BIG HOSE!

Tony Albert and Nell’s vision for QAGOMA’s monumental playscape ‘The BIG HOSE’ prioritises children’s learning and celebrates their inquisitive nature. We are so excited to be working with these incredible artists and QAGOMA to realise this landmark play sculpture that will be enjoyed and loved by children and families for generations to come.

The BIG HOSE will extend the offerings of QAGOMA’s internationally renowned Children’s Art Centre to visitors beyond the Gallery’s walls and opening hours. It will permanently transform the forecourt between the GOMA Bistro and the river into a cultural and play-based safe space — a community hub for all ages that will ignite the imagination, and engage the hand, mind and eye.

- Chris Saines Cnzm, Qagoma Director

The 2022 QAGOMA Foundation Appeal invites you to help realise this monumental play sculpture commission — to be located in front of the GOMA Bistro, in the shade of trees with views along the river — that will bring joy to visitors of all ages.

Referencing Queensland vernacular architecture, mindful of breezy verandas and subtropical gardens, this artistic collaboration will reveal nuanced layers of meaning through local histories of First Peoples, migration and art, and is set to join Australia’s list of iconic ‘big’ things: think oversized tourism drawcards such as the Big Pineapple and the Big Banana.

Help QAGOMA bring 'The BIG HOSE' to life!

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