The Hodgman Liberal Government is a strong supporter of the arts in Tasmania, and I am pleased to announce the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) has delivered strong growth in visitation for the 2015-16 financial year.
The average daily number of visitors went up by 11 per cent , and total visitation was also up six per cent on overall visitation from the previous year.
Successful programming, particularly activities and events designed for family audiences, contributed strongly to the growth in 2015-16, with TMAG’s interactive family exhibition Pattern Play proving to be a major drawcard by attracting 71,444 visitors over five months.
The inaugural TMAG Children’s Festival, held in April 2016 with support from the City of Hobart, also attracted over 16,000 visits across six days.
The delivery of a vibrant program of exhibitions, events and activities that encourages both locals and tourists to visit TMAG regularly, is a key part of the museum’s recently released Strategic Plan.
The plan affirms TMAG’s key role in helping to achieve the Government’s goal of attracting 1.5 million visitors to the State by 2020.
With the museum now open seven days a week during peak tourism periods and on all Monday public holidays, I look forward to continued strong visitor growth to this unique Tasmanian cultural icon into the future.