Federal govt reviewing $80m funding for ‘re-scoped’ Anzac Oval Aboriginal art gallery in Alice Springs
A proposed art gallery in the heart of the Red Centre could hit another snag.
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A ‘re-scoped’ art gallery proposal for the Red Centre is now at the centre of a funding review by the federal government – whihc has committed $80 million to the project.
The divisive $149m Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia (ATSIAGA), now proposed to be built in the Anzac Oval carpark in Alice Springs, is being reviewed by federal infrastructure, transport, regional development, and local government Minister Catherine King’s office.
“Northern Territory Government officials have advised that the Australian Government funding paid to date under the agreement has not been expended while the project has been undergoing revision following the change of government in September 2024,” a spokesman said.
The federal government has committed $80m toward the proposed gallery, with $16m provided to NTG for the project so far.
The money was handed over when the first 95 per cent designs were released in June 2024, but now, due to a variation request, this funding cannot be spent, it is understood.
The variation request comes as the CLP government filed a development application for the new ‘re-scoped’ gallery last week, while also unveiling the latest designs.
“This gallery will be a world-class cultural landmark that celebrates the world’s oldest living cultures, while driving jobs, tourism, and economic growth for Alice Springs,” Treasurer Bill Yan said.
The ‘re-scoped’ gallery – according to Mr Yan – is now 1300 sqm instead of the original 4000 sqm proposed.
The latest designs also features “specialist facilities” such as a “secure loading dock, conservation and registration spaces, and staff areas”.
Some traditional owners in Alice Springs have campaigned to have the gallery built south of Heavitree Gap.
Last year, newly elected Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro put Mr Yan “on notice” to complete the gallery, while NT minister for lands, planning and environment Josh Burgoyne said the project woild stay within its budget.
Mr Burgoyne’s comments came when he unveiled the government’s latest masterplan for the site in November, shifting the gallery from Anzac Oval onto the Will Tce carpark.
Originally proposed for Anzac Oval, the shift to the carpark saw the oval available again for the public and sporting codes such as rugby.
The gallery is expected to be completed in 2027.
A Department of Logistics and Infrastructure spokesman said the Territory government was “continuing discussions with the Australian Government in regard to the funding agreement for ATSIAGA”.
The spokesman said the NT Government submitted “the required updated project information” in April.
“Additional information was provided to support the updated project information in July 2025,” they said.
“The NT Government is awaiting the Australian Government’s assessment of this information.”
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