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Museum of Contemporary Art | A Year in Review

Cover image:Museum of Contemporary ArtPhotograph: Cameron Bloom

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A Year in Review | 2003 Annual Report

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Contents

Introduction

Chairman’s Message

Director’s Message

MCA Highlights

Exhibitions

Education

Supporters

Corporate Sponsorship

Visitor Statistics 2001-2003

Outward Loans from the MCA Collections

Board of Directors

Financial Statements

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The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of Australia's leading contemporary artmuseums dedicated to the exhibition and interpretation of work by contemporaryAustralian and international artists and engaging in discussion and debate on contemporary visual cultural issues.

Situated at West Circular Quay at the entrance to Sydney’s historic Rocks precinct,the MCA seeks to make contemporary art accessible for a broad spectrum of publicaudiences through a diverse range of exhibitions incorporating new and more traditional media, stimulating and hands-on educational programs and special events.

The Museum of Contemporary Art gratefully acknowledges the ongoing funding and support of the NewSouth Wales Government and ‘Key Organisation’ grant funding from the Commonwealth Governmentthrough the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. The MCA was established by The Universityof Sydney through the J W Power Bequest, with the assistance of the New South Wales Government.

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2003 marked the beginning of what we at the Museum of Contemporary Art believewill be an invigorating period of growth and expansion. With stability has come theopportunity to concentrate on long-term development strategies that are central toensuring that the MCA is a vibrant and relevant organisation in years to come, as wellas an exciting reflection of contemporary art, life and culture in the present day.

While fundraising remains a core responsibility of the MCA Board, financial stabilityhas allowed us to consider and explore new areas. We have begun to address theart storage issues of the MCA, which in turn has allowed us to refocus and reinvigorateour collection policy. By upgrading our off site storage, we are able to reclaim valuablespace for additional galleries, which will offer more opportunities for audiences toview work by Australian artists and also provide permanent gallery space to showcasework from our collection.

We are continuing to work with Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and ArchitectMarshall to solve many of the operational and logistical concerns of visitors andartists, particularly with regard to gallery access for disabled visitors and circulationflow through the building.

With such a dynamic phase ahead of us, I cannot help but feel excited and inspiredby what the MCA can, and will become.

I would like to thank the NSW State Government, the NSW Ministry for the Arts andthe Premier of NSW, The Honourable Bob Carr MLA for their ongoing commitmentto, and support of the MCA. I would also like to acknowledge the Sydney HarbourForeshore Authority, with whom we are working closely to improve all visitor facilitiesand access to the MCA building. The Museum also gratefully acknowledges the keyorganisation grant funding from the Commonwealth Government through theAustralia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. In 2003 we also received fundingfrom Visions of Australia, an Australian Government Program to support the regionaltour of MCA Unpacked II during 2004/05. The international tour of The Native Bornwas supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the AustraliaInternational Cultural Council for which we are also grateful.

I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the vital role MCA LeadingSponsor Telstra has played in securing and revitalising the MCA over the past fewyears. Telstra’s commitment to broadening contemporary art audiences, and removingadmission charges to the MCA through the Free Admission Policy has demonstratedthe increasing appeal of contemporary art and ideas. We were thrilled that Telstrahas further strengthened this commitment by entering a three year contract to continueto support free admission to the MCA.

Chairman’s Message

David Coe, MCA Chairman

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On behalf of the Museum I would like to thank Andrew Love, Partner, Ferrier HodgsonChartered Accountants who has rejoined the Board and taken over the chair of theFinance Committee. Ferrier Hodgson is the largest specialist insolvency and reconstruction firm in Australia. Thanks also to new board members Peter Ivany,Executive Chairman, Ivany Investment Group, who has active involvements in IMAXTheatres, Video Ezy, Patterson Partners Adcafe, base Backpackers and more recentlythe Momentum Pacific group, a boutique investment bank; and Terri Janke, SolicitorDirector of Terri Janke & Company Pty Ltd, a firm specialising in media, arts and culturalheritage and entertainment law focussing on the legal issues and negotiations involving Indigenous culture. The diversity of experience and influence brought to theMCA Board by our newest members complements the skills of continuing Boardmembers Matthew Howison, Director, Investment Banking, Solomon Smith Barney;Peter Steigrad, previously Chairman, Young & Rubicam; artist Julie Rrap; Lucy Turnbull,Lord Mayor, City of Sydney; Greg Woolley, Managing Director, Allco InvestmentBank. I would also like to record our appreciation of all the work that Peter Thomashas done for the MCA who stood down from the Board in July. As one of our longestserving Board members and a chairman of the Finance Committee which oversawthe MCA through difficult times, Peter deserves our heartfelt thanks.

On behalf of the Board, my sincerest thanks go to the staff and executive for theircontinued dedication and commitment to the Museum. We were particularly pleasedthat MCA Director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor accepted an offer to extend her contractfor a further six years, enabling her to continue her vital role in shaping and developingthe Museum.

David CoeChairman

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2003 must rate as one of the most enjoyable years I’ve spent as Director since Iarrived in 1999. It’s a sign that things really have stabilised that I was even able towork on a couple of exhibitions myself! It has been a great pleasure and constantthrill to work alongside the talented group of staff, supporters of the MCA and artiststo plan for the future with a sense of security and confidence.

The year began and ended on significant highs. In January the Museum was packedfull of visitors to the Ron Mueck exhibition, which opened just a few days beforeChristmas in 2002. Mueck’s Pregnant Woman, which was purchased during theexhibition by the National Gallery of Australia, was described by one reviewer as a‘magnificent, super-realist statue [that] commands attention first, followed by almostreligious respect’, The Sydney Morning Herald said the exhibition gave ‘Australianstheir first opportunity to see why the Melbourne expatriate has taken the internationalart world by storm’; and importantly many visitors to the Museum, were making theirfirst explorations into the world of contemporary art. The exhibition, sponsored byLion Nathan and Caliburn Partnership, became our most attended exhibition ever,with over 110,000 visitors in the 11 weeks it was open.

The end of the year looked no less exciting with considerable interest in another leadingAustralian artist, Tracey Moffatt. Supported by JCDecaux, Qantas and HQ, Moffatt’sexhibition, received over 16,000 visitors before the end of the year, placing it well onthe way to equal the success of Mueck’s show.

In 2001 the MCA established the Artists Advisory Group (AAG) as a forum to discuss issues of concern to artists and the artistic community. I would like to thankthe inaugural members who stepped down this year: Pat Brassington, ScottHorscroft, Brook Andrew, Ann Thomson, Matthys Gerber, Robert Owen and JackyRedgate. Their contribution to the MCA through this initiative has been invigorating.The group brought to our attention issues of concern to artists and is an importantway for the curatorial team of the MCA to keep in touch.

The AAG has proved so successful that we have established a parallel committee—the Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG). Consisting of artists and arts professionalsfrom the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, the group offers advice onways for the MCA to reflect the needs and interests of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander artists and audiences in all areas of our work. The committee is chaired byMCA Board Member Terri Janke, and includes artist Brook Andrew; artist and curator at Queensland Art Gallery, Avril Quaill; artist and independent curator, DjonMundine; and Allen Madden, from the Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council.

Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, MCA Director

Director’s Message

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Throughout the year we’ve presented work by over 100 artists from Australia andaround the world. Early in the year MCA Senior Curator, Rachel Kent, turned herattention to the sea, with a wonderful exhibition exploring the symbolic nature ofwater in art today. Supported by Waterways Authority NSW and Saville 2 BondStreet, Liquid Sea also explored links between artistic and scientific communities,while Chinese artist Zhu Ming undertook a series of water-based performances inwhich he floated, naked, across Sydney Harbour inside a giant transparent bubble.

Maningrida Threads was a timely exhibition of work drawn from the MCA’s significantcollection of work from the Maningrida arts community in Australia’s NorthernTerritory. Curated by Apolline Kohen, Artistic Director of Maningrida Arts and Culture,the exhibition explored the significant role fibre plays in the art and life of Maningrida’sartists. For me, one of the most exciting elements of the exhibition was the inclusionof new works from the community. Representative of the artistic evolution and innovation practiced by many of the artists in the decade since the Collection cameto the MCA in 1994, the new works illustrate the creativity expressed by a new generation of artists now emerging in this already highly respected artistic community.

Early in the year I worked with Colombian-born artist Maria Fernanda Cardoso on hersolo exhibition. Characterised by the use of unconventional materials, Cardoso’sevocative practice draws on elements from the natural world, such as bones, preserved frogs, lizards, snakes, starfish, butterflies, fleas, seahorses and sheepskinsto explore poetic, humorous, visually intriguing and occasionally violent concepts oflife, culture and place.

The arrival of winter marked the beginning of a busy time at the MCA with four exhibitions opening at the end of June, and a fifth, solo show by Australian artistSusan Norrie, opening one month later. It was an honour, and a mark of the respectthat the MCA commands within international art circles, that we were able to presentan exhibition of rare drawing works from the collection of the Tate Gallery. The Stageof Drawing: Gesture and Act, curated by British painter Avis Newman, was organisedby The Drawing Center in New York, and Tate, UK and supported by Saville 2 BondStreet. While many visitors seemed a little surprised to see work by artists such asWilliam Blake, Paul Cézanne, Francis Bacon and Marcel Duchamp, from the mid1700s to the 1980s at the MCA, the exhibition emphasised developments in drawingover the past three centuries, focusing our attention to the act of marking and thedrawn line. The exhibition was complemented by a show of Newman’s own work.

Sponsored by Volkswagen Touareg and supported by JCDecaux, Wim Wenders:Pictures from the Surface of the Earth visitors responded to the scale and beauty ofthe German artist and filmmaker’s photographs.

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Curated by the MCA’s Russell Storer, OUR MAGIC HOUR presented new and recent video and sound works, sculptures and paintings by leading Swiss contemporary artist Ugo Rondinone. The exhibition, which was presented in associationwith former MCA Chairman John Kaldor’s Arts Projects Incorporated, included amajor new neon installation on the exterior of the MCA building.

Australian artist Susan Norrie transformed the MCA’s Level 4 Galleries for her exhibition, notes from underground, which included work from the past five years,and a major new project, passenger, made especially for the MCA. A further work bythe artist, Undertow (2002), was presented at the Art Gallery of New South Walesto coincide with her MCA exhibition.

Spring arrived, and with it the now eagerly anticipated Primavera exhibition. Curatedby Julianne Pierce, Director of the Australian Network for Art and Technology, Primavera2003 examined the city environment and urban experiences as they are transformedand replayed through new media art forms.

A joint initiative of the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the MCA, Howard TaylorPHENOMENA was the first major survey exhibition in almost 20 years of this WesternAustralian artist. This magnificent exhibition of Taylor’s drawings, paintings and sculptureswas curated by Gary Dufour, Deputy Director of the Art Gallery of Western Australia,and represents a very rewarding association between our two institutions.

From art storage to gallery floor MCA Unpacked II profiled the Museum’s collectionin refreshing, innovative and surprising ways through the eyes of six Australian artists:Bruce Armstrong, Julie Dowling, Joan Grounds, Michelle Nikou, Ken Unsworth andWilliam Yang. Following the successful tour of the first Unpacked exhibition, MCAUnpacked II will tour to galleries and museums in Victoria, Tasmania, New SouthWales, South Australia and Queensland in 2004/2005, supported by the CommonwealthGovernment’s Visions of Australia program.

Guest Curator Stuart Koop curated an exhibition of work by Australian artist CallumMorton. Incorporating sculpture, photography, sound and digital imagery, CallumMorton: More Talk About Buildings and Mood represented the latest in the MCA’sLevel 4 Gallery projects, supported by the MCA Ambassadors program, which hasshowcased work by significant Australian artists including Mikala Dwyer, SusanNorrie, Kathleen Petyarre, and Patricia Piccinini.

Two exhibitions were presented as part of the 2004 Sydney Festival—Tracey Moffattand Take a Bowery: The art and (larger than) life of Leigh Bowery. Working closelywith the Bowery estate, the exhibition incorporated infamous costumes and inspired

Ugo RondinoneOUR MAGIC HOUR 2003

Installation viewFrom the exhibition Ugo Rondinone:

OUR MAGIC HOUR© the artist.

Photograph: Greg Weight

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accessories produced by Bowery for performances, openings and nights out; previously unseen archival material; video footage of live performances; as well as anumber of etchings and a major painting by British artist Lucian Freud, who Bowerymodeled for from 1990 until his death on New Year’s Eve in 1994. We were delightedthat Bowery’s wife and artistic collaborator, Nicola Bateman Bowery, was able totravel to Sydney for the exhibition installation and opening late in the year. The MCAteam also managed the phenomenal task of producing one of the most comprehensiveand important publications on the life of Bowery, in record-breaking time, to coincidewith the exhibition opening.

MCA Touring continued strongly throughout the year. Peter Robertson’s Sharpiesclosed at the Institute of Modern Art in Brisbane, before opening at Blacktown ArtsCentre in June and Albury Regional Art Gallery in August. The inaugural MCAUnpacked touring exhibition was presented at Caloundra Regional Gallery, QLD, andthe Queensland University of Technology before finalising the tour at the Wagga ArtGallery. Patricia Piccinini’s 2002 exhibition Call of the Wild was seen at the JohnCurtin Gallery, Perth, and The Native Born: Aboriginal Art from Ramingining waspresented at the final destination in its monumental world tour. Dancing up country:the art of Dorothy Napangardi, travelled to the National Museum of Fine Arts, Hanoi,Vietnam, and the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia through the support of Asialink.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the important role the MCA’sDirector’s Working Circle plays. This group of interested and proactive individualsmeets on a regular basis and acts as an honest and constructive sounding board forthe MCA to raise ideas, and garner opinions on a range of programs and initiatives.From these discussions the MCA successfully re-branded and staged the BellaDinner as our major fundraising event. The introduction of a ‘lucky-dip’ art draw, whereevery ticket purchased secured an art work by one of thirty-seven Australian artists,including Pat Brassington, Mikala Dwyer, Rosemary Laing, Tracey Moffatt, CallumMorton, Susan Norrie, Patricia Piccinini, Tim Silver and Judith Wright, was an enormoussuccess, raising $90,000 to assist Bella and other MCA education programs.

In 2003 the MCA enjoyed its highest ever traffic figures. More than 313,000 visitorscame through the galleries, representing a 7% increase in the already impressive figures recorded in 2002. I cannot stress enough the significance of Leading SponsorTelstra’s ongoing support and commitment to the MCA, which has allowed the MCAto broaden its reach and introduce a new generation of visitors through their generousprovision of free admission to MCA exhibitions. We were thrilled that Telstra committedto this program for a further three years. A commitment which I am sure will bereflected in the ever increasing attendance figures over this time.

Throughout the yearwe’ve presented work by over 100 artists fromAustralia and aroundthe world.

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The MCA continues to work with, and enjoy the support of many fine companies.Our association with Hunter Valley winery, Bimbadgen Estate, entered its 3rd yearand we celebrated the launch of the third in the series of MCA labelled Bimbadgenwines, featuring work by Australian artists Vivienne Shark LeWitt and Peter Atkins.Saville 2 Bond Street continued to host many of our international and interstateguests, including artists and keynote speakers such as Wim Wenders, Doug Aitken,Lee Bul, Avis Newman, Elisa Sighicelli and Gary Dufour. We also embarked on amonumental overhaul of the MCA website with creative agency Deepend, who aimto launch the new-look site in 2004. One of the newest organisations to develop astrong relationship with the MCA has been JCDecaux, one of the world's largestoutdoor advertising groups. JCDecaux’s support of the MCA’s Wim Wenders andTracey Moffatt exhibitions resulted in major exposure for both shows through extensiveposter campaigns running on JCDecaux’s street furniture throughout Sydney.

The MCA Sponsorship and Partnership team also held a number of events to developour relationships with external stakeholders. At the beginning of the year we hosteda special gallery viewing and cocktail party for first year visual arts students and lecturers from institutions and universities across Sydney and NSW. Later in the yearwe held a similar event for tenants of the Rocks precinct. Both events were enormously successful, reinforcing the role the MCA plays as an educational facilityand also as a major tourist destination.

The MCA’s Education Department continued to present a range of activities includingimportant panel discussions, artist talks and school holiday programs, while eventspresented in association with the MCA included the sell-out lecture by prize-winningnovelist and United Nations Under-Secretary, Shashi Tharoor.

Finally, I would like to thank, on behalf of everyone at the MCA, the dedicated teamof Volunteer Guides, and force of regular volunteers who staff and manage theLibrary, maintain artist files, research exhibition projects and assist with day-to-dayadministrative duties across the Museum. We are extremely grateful to them all fortheir committed hours of service in assisting the MCA.

Thanks also must go to the committed MCA staff, members of the MCA Board,artists, lenders, sponsors, donors and volunteers who contribute to the success ofthis fine institution. I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

Elizabeth Ann MacgregorDirector

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From top: Callum MortonHabitat 2003Installation view, National Gallery ofVictoria Australia, MelbourneCorbett Lyon and Yueji Lyon CollectionImage courtesy the artist and NationalGallery of Victoria, Melbourne. © the artistPhoto: Helen Oliver-Skuse.From the exhibition Callum Morton.

Tracey MoffattSelf Portrait 1999Courtesy of the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney© the artist.From the exhibition Tracey Moffatt.

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• Staged 15 exhibitions and produced 8 publications to support the exhibition program.

• Realised a major outdoor work OUR MAGIC HOUR by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone on the roof of the MCA for six months

• Staged the major exhibition TAKE A BOWERY: The Art (and Larger Than Life)of Leigh Bowery—the first major Australian exhibition of Leigh Bowery’s work.

• Presented the second in the MCA Unpacked exhibition series—which is to tourto 11 regional venues across Australia throughout 2004 and 2005.

• Opened the first major survey of artist Tracey Moffatt’s work, delivering record breaking visitor attendances.

• The MCA was voted Sydney’s ‘favourite attraction’ in the 2003 NSW Chamberof Commerce survey.

• Raised over $90,000 for the MCA’s education programs through the MCA annualfundraising dinner—the Bella Dinner—held in 2003 at harbourkitchenbar at the Park Hyatt, Sydney.

• Awarded 1998 Primavera artist Nike Savvas the 2003 Collex Primavera Acquisitive Art Award.

• In partnership with Leading Sponsor Telstra continued the series of online chatswith major artists—Wim Wenders, Ugo Rondinone, Maria Fernanda Cardoso andMCA Director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor live from the Venice Biennale.

• Presented the pilot of a Youth Guides program in collaboration with Carnivale.

• Held the first university student orientation week event at the MCA inviting first year Visual Arts students and associated lecturers from eight tertiary institutionsacross the greater Sydney metropolitan area, Wollongong and Newcastle, with the aim of developing and strengthening the relationship between the MCA andtertiary arts students and institutions.

• Staged an event for the retail tenants of the Rocks precinct in conjunction withthe Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority to build relationships with the MCA’s surrounding neighbours.

2003 Highlights

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From top:Installation view of rooftop neon workUgo Rondinone: OUR MAGIC HOURMuseum of Contemporary Art, SydneyAugust 2003Photograph: Greg Weight

Exhibition installation viewTake A Bowery: The Art and (larger than) Life of Leigh BoweryMuseum of Contemporary Art,December 2003Photograph: Greg Weight

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Maningrida Threads: Aboriginal Art from the MCA Collection6 March – 1 June 2003

Guest Curator: Apolline KohenMCA curatorial liaison: Judith Blackall6-page colour visitors guide30 artistsFree admission to Maningrida Threads: Aboriginal Art from the MCA collectionthanks to MCA Leading Sponsor Telstra

Liquid Sea14 March – 8 June 2003

Curator: Rachel Kent136-page colour catalogue12 artists. Historical works by Leopold & Rudolph Blaschka, Louis Boutan, Jean Painlevé and Etienne-Jules Marey also presented as part of the exhibition.Supported by Waterways Authority NSWFree admission to Liquid Sea thanks to MCA Leading Sponsor Telstra

MCA Art School Exhibition18-23 March 2003

Works by 17 secondary school students following a 4-day workshop, studio visits, discussions and debates.Supported by Malleson Stephen Jaques.

ZOOMORPHIA: Maria Fernanda Cardoso9 April – 6 July 2003

Curator: Elizabeth Ann Macgregor80 page colour catalogueEssay by Carolina Ponce de Léon; Interview between Maria Fernanda Cardoso and Elizabeth Ann MacgregorThis exhibition was made possible through the generous support of MCA AmbassadorsFree admission to ZOOMORPHIA: Maria Fernanda Cardoso thanks to MCALeading Sponsor Telstra

2003 Exhibitions

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From top:Zhu MingSydney Performance, March 2003© the artist.From the exhibition Liquid Sea.

Maria Fernanda CardosoButterfly Drawing / Dibujos de Mariposas 2002. Courtesy and © the artist.From the exhibition ZOOMORPHIA:Maria Fernanda Cardoso.

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From top:Wim Wenders

Boy at Bat, Havana, 1998© the artist.

From the exhibition WIM WENDERS: Pictures from the

Surface of the Earth.

Exhibition installation view Ugo Rondinone: OUR MAGIC HOUR

Museum of Contemporary Art, July 2003

Photograph: Vicky Irving. From the exhibition Ugo Rondinone:

OUR MAGIC HOUR.

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The Stage of Drawing: Gesture and ActSelected from the Tate Collection25 June – 24 August 2003

Selected by artist Avis NewmanCurator: Catherine de Zegher, Director, The Drawing Center, New YorkMCA curatorial liaison: Vivienne Webb6-page colour visitor guide combined with Avis NewmanOrganised by The Drawing Center and TateSupported by Saville 2 Bond StreetFree admission to The Stage of Drawing: Gesture and Act thanks to MCA Leading Sponsor Telstra

Avis Newman25 June – 24 August 2003

Curator: Elizabeth Ann Macgregor and Vivienne Webb6-page colour visitor guide combined with The Stage of DrawingSupported by Saville 2 Bond StreetFree admission to Avis Newman thanks to MCA Leading Sponsor Telstra

Wim Wenders: Pictures from the Surface of the Earth25 June – 31 August 2003

MCA curatorial liaison: Judith Blackall6-page colour visitor guideSponsored by Volkswagen Touareg. Supported by JCDecaux and the GoetheInstitut, Sydney

Ugo Rondinone: OUR MAGIC HOUR25 June – 31 August 2003

Curator: Russell Storer36 page colour catalogue. Essay by Russell StorerPresented by Arts Projects Incorporated in association with the MCAOrganised in association with the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, MelbourneSupported by PRO HELVETIA Arts Council of SwitzerlandFree admission to OUR MAGIC HOUR: Ugo Rondinone thanks to MCA Leading Sponsor Telstra

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Susan Norrie22 July – 12 October 2003

Curator: Rachel Kent64 page colour catalogueEssays by Rachel Kent, Dr Helen Grace and Barrie PittockFree admission to Susan Norrie thanks to MCA Leading Sponsor TelstraThis exhibition made possible through the generous support of the MCA Ambassadors.

MCA Unpacked IISix artists select from the MCA Collection5 September – 9 November 2003

Curators: Bruce Armstrong, Julie Dowling, Joan Grounds, Michelle Nikou, Ken Unsworth, William Yang.MCA curatorial liaison: Vivienne Webb64 page hard cover colour cataloguePresented as part of the MCA’s 2003 Australian SeasonThis MCA National Touring Exhibition was assisted by Visions of Australia, a Commonwealth Government Program providing funding support to tour exhibitions of cultural material across AustraliaFree admission to MCA Unpacked II thanks to MCA Leading Sponsor Telstra

Primavera 2003: Exhibition of Young Australian Artists17 September – 30 November 2003

Guest Curator: Julianne PierceMCA curatorial liaison: Rachel Kent72 page colour catalogueThis program was assisted by the Commonwealth Government through the New Media Arts Board of the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory bodyThe Primavera exhibition was founded through the generous benefaction of Ted and Cynthia Jackson, and the Jackson family, in memory of their late daughter Belinda.Presented as part of the MCA’s 2003 Australian SeasonRe_Squared by Cicada was part of “Art & About” presented by the City of Sydney and AMP Free admission to Primavera 2003: Exhibition of Young Australian Artiststhanks to MCA Leading Sponsor Telstra

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From top:Susan Norriepassenger 2003Installation viewAugust 2003From the exhibition Susan Norrie:notes from underground© the artist. Photograph: Greg Weight

Exhibition installation viewMCA Unpacked IIMuseum of Contemporary Art,September 2003Photograph: Vicky IrvingFrom the exhibition MCA Unpacked II

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From top: Howard Taylor

Object on the ground 1989Collection of the Art Gallery of

Western AustraliaFrom the exhibition Howard Taylor:

PHENOMENA.

Exhibition installation viewAlex Davies

Filter feeder 2002Image courtesy and © the artist

Photograph: Vicky IrvingFrom the exhibition Primavera 2003:

Exhibition of young Australian artists.

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Howard Taylor: PHENOMENA17 September – 30 November 2003

Curator: Gary Dufour, Art Gallery of Western Australia.MCA curatorial liaison: Russell Storer.A joint initiative of the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Museum ofContemporary Art, Sydney.Presented as part of the MCA’s 2003 Australian Season.The tour of this exhibition was assisted by Visions of Australia, a CommonwealthGovernment Program providing funding support to tour exhibitions of cultural material across Australia.Free admission at the MCA to Howard Taylor: PHENOMENA thanks to MCALeading Sponsor Telstra.

Callum Morton29 October 2003 – 26 January 2004

Guest Curator: Stuart KoopMCA curatorial liaison: Russell Storer68-page colour catalogueThis exhibition was made possible through the generous support of MCA Ambassadors.Free admission to Callum Morton thanks to MCA Leading Sponsor Telstra.

Tracey Moffatt17 December 2003 – 29 February 2004

Curator: Elizabeth Ann Macgregor16-page colour visitors guidePresented in association with Sydney Festival 2004Supported by HQ and JC DecauxOfficial Airline QantasFree admission to Tracey Moffatt thanks to MCA Leading Sponsor Telstra.

TAKE A BOWERY: The Art and (larger than) Life of Leigh Bowery19 December 2003 – 7 March 2004

Guest curator: Gary CarsleyMCA curatorial liaison: Russell Storer84-page colour cataloguePresented in association with Sydney Festival 2004

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Exhibition installation viewCall of the Wild: Patricia Piccinini

Museum of Contemporary Art,September 2002

Photograph: Vicky IrvingFrom the exhibition Call of the Wild:

Patricia Piccinini.

Call of the Wild: Patricia Piccinini

John Curtin Gallery, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia23 January – 6 April 2003

Dancing up country: The Art of Dorothy Napangardi

National Museum of Fine Arts, Hanoi, Vietnam 22 April – 3 May 2003

National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia20 May - 26 June 2003Toured through the support of Asialink.

Touring Exhibitions

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MCA Unpacked

Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland7 February – 13 April 2003

Wagga Art Gallery, Wagga, New South Wales12 May – 17 August 2003

Peter Robertson: Sharpies

Blacktown Arts Centre, Blacktown, New South Wales6 June – 5 July 2003

Albury Regional Art Gallery, Albury, New South Wales29 August – 28 September 2003

The Native Born: Aboriginal Art from Ramingining, Australia

Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei, Taiwan16 February – 20 April 2003

WIM WENDERS: Pictures from the Surface of the Earth

City Gallery, Wellington, New Zealand26 October 2003 – 8 February 2004

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During 2003 the MCA undertook wide ranging educational initiatives which successfully increased access to contemporary art and ideas. These initiativesencompassed presenting events such as lectures, panel discussions, gallery talksand performances; providing services such as guided tours and workshops tailoredto meet group requirements; and production of resources such as children’s activitysheets, videos and education kits. Reflecting the increasing reach of the MCA’s exhibitions, these initiatives were delivered at the Museum as well as regionally,nationally, internationally and on-line.

In 2003 attendances for public programs conducted at the MCA increased from7,346 in 2002 to 9,723. There were 82 publicly advertised programs. Assistancefrom funding bodies, sponsors and individual donors enabled the MCA to ensurethat 68 were free. The MCA’s commitment to working closely with artists in the presentation of its educational activities is reflected in that 33 of these programsincluded the participation of artists with an acknowledged Australian and/or international exhibition career.

The year opened with a sell-out lecture by Shashi Tharoor, prizewinning novelist andUnder Secretary of the United Nations, presented in association with the Departmentof Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australia Council (24 January). The title ofShashi Tharoor’s lecture was Globalisation and the Human Imagination.

Four high level panel discussions offering critical perspectives on the MCA’s exhibitionswere held throughout the year. They were Grounding Abstraction which considereda recent emphasis on the minimalist abstract qualities of contemporary Aboriginalpainting in association with Dancing up country: The art of Dorothy Napangardi (29January); The Future of Survey Shows which examined a trend away from expansivesurvey shows in association with Meridian: Focus on Contemporary Australian Art(19 February); Weaving Definitions (12 May) which looked at shifting definitions of art,craft and design in association with Maningrida Threads; and Drawing on the Past (5August) which considered how artists today engage with historical shows in associationwith The Stage of Drawing: Gesture and Act Selected from the Tate Collection.

In 2003 a new strand of programming was introduced to increase the level ofengagement between the Museum and one of its key constituents—artists. Threeartists were invited to convene the MCA’s Discussion Island evening program. Theywere Emil Goh (Video art in an age of channel hopping – 31 March), Brook Andrew(Cheeky Dirty Fantasy – 14 July) and MCA Unpacked II selector Joan Grounds(Artists and Curators – The ties that bind – 4 November).

As always, the MCA went to extraordinary lengths to program in an innovative mannerto attract broader audiences. Zhu Ming’s waterborne performances achieved generalnews coverage for the Museum and the Liquid Sea exhibition (9 – 16 March).

Education

Students from Riverview Girls Highparticipating in a training session

for the MCA Child Guides pilot project undertaken in collaboration

with Carnivale.

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On-line chats with Elizabeth Ann Macgregor from the Venice Biennale (12 June),exhibiting artists Maria Fernanda Cardoso (5 May), Ugo Rondinone (26 June) andWim Wenders (2 July) drew numbers of participants comparable with the size ofgallery audiences. These programs were made possible by the support of MCALeading Sponsor Telstra. The MCA’s Education Department regularly receivesenquiries from other institutions about this unique program.

As well as offering school holiday programs for youth audiences, the Museum conducted cross-generational workshops for group members ranging in age frominfants to the elderly which were filled to capacity. Drawing workshops held in theRon Mueck (9 January) and The Stage of Drawing (15 – 18 July) exhibitions thrilledaudiences – whether of young people, families, adults or sponsors. Kara Greiner, amember of the ‘Logie-losing’ The Chaser, Australia’s only satirical newspaper, led ahilarious tour of Primavera (11 November). Sports columnist and collector MikeGibson hosted True Colours, the MCA’s very own Rugby World Cup event, in whicha panel of current and past players shared their dual passion for contemporary artand ‘the game’ (18 November).

MCA Unpacked II was the focus of 2003 Bella, the MCA’s unique program providingfree educational experiences for young people with specific needs. Presentedthrough the benefaction of the Jackson Family, it was held from September toDecember. The Museum raised the training for MCA Educators to new heights andtripled the number of workshops. Bella workshops are about overcoming educationaldisadvantage as well as fostering skills which can be applied throughout life. The imaginative and motivating qualities of contemporary art means that it is especially well suited to meet these objectives.

Guided tours of all exhibitions were conducted by the Museum’s 42 dedicated VolunteerGuides who hosted visitors through the galleries to enhance their museum experience.

Throughout the year, work experience students, interns and volunteers from Sydney,interstate and overseas were placed across the Museum for terms ranging from oneweek to six months.

Partnerships and collaborations with institutions and organisations such as TheSmith Family, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, the Sydney Opera House, the ItalianCultural Institute Sydney, TAFE NSW, Carnivale, Macquarie University and theFestival of Sydney, to name a few, not only brought audiences to the Museum butafforded stimulating and generous associations.

School holiday workshop participants discuss their artworks.

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From top:Education workshop

In the exhibition MCA Unpacked IIMuseum of Contemporary Art,

September 2003.

Education school holiday workshopshowcasing the making of a

collaborative mural.

27

Volunteers 2003

Volunteer Museum GuidesKate Gardiner, Angela Gregory, Janine Haydon, Diane Kershaw, William Levantrosser,Valerie Marshall, Jan McDonald, Antoinette McSharry, Tina Melick, Kim Murray, FayePaisio, Fay Raven, Alicia Ritson, Annette Robinson, Wendy Russell , Mandy Shaul,Irene Shillington, Christina Simpson, Claire Souillac, Denyse Spice, Colleen Taylor,Jocelyn Van Heyst, Gwen Wallis, Judy Zavos

Administration VolunteersMark Booth, Rae Bolotin, Claire Brown, Ruth Cappelen-Smith, Jeffrey Carig, LucindaDonnelley, Ana Jimenez, Victoria Lawson, Aria Lee, Jo Lee, Isabel Lo, Ineke McIntosh,Joel Mu, Joanne Newham, Brani Simonovska

Library Volunteers 2003Carmel Aiello, Sue Anderson, Ed Ashmore, Margaret Gor, Don Hemingway, PeggyMaguire, Marie Marlow, Judy Stefanek, Meg Taylor, Rita Todrin

Work Experience PlacementsMelissa Kok - St George High SchoolKristen Orr - St Andrews Cathedral SchoolAndrew Moran - St Patricks College StrathfieldKlytie McKiltrick - Broughton Anglican CollegeSarah Sproule - SCEGGS DarlinghurstSarah Profilio - Monte Sant Angelo, North SydneyNikki Aureli - North Sydney Girls’ High SchoolBenjamin Lumb - Centacare/Employment PlusKaitlyn Fitzpatrick - Mater Maria Catholic CollegeJodie Becker - Killara High School

Internships Angie Burnett, Sophia Chua, Jessica Fletcher, Ian Jankolowitz, Clare Lewis, JuelMahoney, Iris Mendel, Eleni Papavasileiou, Rebecca Pierce, Aleisha Riboldi, AliciaRitson, Laura Shaw, Claire Simpson, Catherine Smith, Jacqueline Tosi, Tracy Tucker,Melanie Watkins, Karen Wong

28

VisionariesTelstraGeoff & Vicki AinsworthDavid & Michelle CoeLoti Smorgon AO & Victor Smorgon AOAnonymous (1)

InnovatorsGinny & Leslie GreenMatthew HowisonDr Edward & Mrs Cynthia JacksonMalcolm & Lucy Turnbull

FuturistsNeil & Diane BalnavesDr Colin & Mrs Liz LavertyAnn Lewis AMSuzanne & Warwick MillerReg & Sally RichardsonJohn SharpePeter & Suzanne SteigradPeter Vogliotti & Angela McHughStewart Wallis AO & Gwen WallisAnonymous (1)

ContemporariesAntoinette AlbertMichele Asprey & Lindsay PowersJohn Beard & Wendy Davis BeardThe Berg Family FoundationMr & Mrs Daniel BesenDr Bruce CaldwellAndrew & Cathy CameronSusan CatoLeo Christie & Marion BorgeltPatrick Corrigan AMJane DawsonDinosaur DesignsDaniel & Lyndell Droga

Michele Ferguson & Michael MagnusSandra & Paul FermanNina FieldLeon Fink & Jenny TurpinBarbara Flynn & William GroundsSimon GohStephen Grant & Bridget PirrieLinda GregoriouCatherine HarrisAngelo & Despina HatsatourisMichael HawkerJean HerronMichael & Doris HobbsCherry Hood & Graham JonesAndrew HorsleyDavina Jackson & Chris JohnsonJudy JoyeErika JumikisMichael KingIsabella KlompeDoug & Sue KnoxChristopher KuanJulian LavigneUjin LeeHarvey LightAndrew & Amanda LoveRichard LudbrookJenny MantonNicky & Bruce McWilliamJennifer & Stephen MillsDaniel Moquay & Professor Rotraut KleinThe Annabel & Rupert Myer FamilyFoundationLisa & Egil PaulsenNicholas Peters & Susan SharrockAndrew & Chloe PodgornikDinosaur DesignsDr Ian Hill & Morna SeresVivienne Sharpe

MCA Ambassadors 2003

The MCA Ambassadors program, founded in 2000, recognises philanthropic donorsfor their support of the Museum and its exhibition and education programs.

From top:MCA Bella Dinner 2003

harbourkitchenbar, Park Hyatt, SydneyImage: Jay Ryves

Guests at the Bella Dinner 2003harbourkitchenbar, Park Hyatt, Sydney

29

Gillian Simon & Darren KindrachukPaul & Dalia SinclairEzekiel SolomonPaul SumnerIsaac & Susie WakilJohn Walton AM & Josie WaltonIvan & Karel WheenMichael Whitworth & Dr Candice BruceIan Wilcox & Mary KostakidisNeil & Jill WilsonGregory WoolleyAnonymous (1)

InitiatorsAnthony Battaglia & Catie DyceAdam ConnorGordon Darling AC AO CMG & Marilyn DarlingRoderick & Gillian DeaneElisabeth DrysdaleMs Susan FieldHelen EagerStephanie HousteinGary LangsfordDavid Maloney & Erin FlahertyAnthony & Suzanne Maple-BrownTetsuji NaritaDr John Reid AO & Lynn RainbowPeter & Maree ThomasDr Gerard Wain & Ms Veronique LajoieLex Watson

SupportersGreg & Angela BasterBaz & Keltie ArcherGreg & Angela BasterBobbe Bowman ZelenyNatalia BradshawTanya & Mark Carnegie

Emily CarneySophie DalgleishPeter FayDr Penny FieldAnnette FreemanDr Mark GianoutsosChris GoffinSophia GuestRobert & Lori HarrisonAshley HempsallMark IsaacsVictor KayDouglas KippaxPaul KornmehlAnne KwasnerPaula Latos-Valier & Biron ValierGregory Lindsay-OwenSusan McHattieAnnie ParnellClarissa PattersonLiz RaglandPatrick & Gabrielle SimpsonLara StellaThe Hon Peter Underhill OBE & Prof Nancy UnderhillCassandra WilkinsonMerrill & Scott WittVera YakimenkoWye YapKatie Yuill

30

2003 Members

Mr Geoff AinsworthMrs Vicki AinsworthMrs Antoinette AlbertMs Michele AspreyMs Emily CarneyMs Susan CatoMr Stuart ClarkMs Gail DavidsonMrs Elizabeth DaviesMr Daniel DrogaMrs Robin DrysdaleMs Elisabeth DrysdaleMs Michele FergusonMrs Sandra FermanMs Erin FlahertyMs Jenny FletcherMs Barbara FlynnMrs Jenny FoxMs Jenny GarberMr Stephen GrantMs Linda GregoriouDr Robert HampshireMs Amanda HarknessMs Catherine Harris

Ms Divonne Holmes a CourtMr Simon JohnsonMs Judy JoyeMr Barry KeldoulisMrs Isabella KlompeMr Darren KnightMs Marita LeuverMrs Amanda LoveMr Peter ManningMrs Nicky McWilliamMr Simon MordantMrs Roslyn OxleyMr Rick ReillyMr Reg RichardsonMs Liane RosslerMrs Susan RothwellMs Vivienne SharpeMrs Mandy ShaulMs Gillian SimonMr Peter ThomasMr Michael WalshMs Gitte WeiseMr Michael Whitworth

Director’s Working Circle 2003

The MCA Director’s Working Circle is a group committed to, and proud of, thedynamic place that is the MCA. It is a group that is active in its support of meetingthe Museums’ objectives and purpose to broaden the reach of the MCA in order toincrease involvement in the MCA experience.

31

2003 Members

Chair: Julie RrapMs Pat BrassingtonMs Fiona FoleyMr Matthys GerberMr Brent GrayburnMr Scott Horscroft

Mr Robert OwenMs Jacky RedgateMs Ann ThomsonMr Ken UnsworthMs Justene Williams

Artist Advisory Group

The Artist Advisory Group was established in 2001 to develop the MCA’s relationshipwith artists by providing a regular forum for an exchange of views and information inrelation to the Museum and the wider arts community in Sydney, regional NSW andinterstate. The aim of the group is to ensure the representation of the views of members of the artistic community on matters pertaining to the Museum and its programs, to give the MCA feedback on its exhibitions, public and education programs, to bring to the MCA’s attention issues of concern to artists and to advisethe MCA on ways in which it can be of service to Australian artists.

2003 Members

Chair: Terri JankeMr Brook AndrewMs Avril QuaillMr Djon MundineMr Allen Madden

Indigenous Advisory Group

The MCA Indigenous Advisory Group was set up in 2003 with the aim of advisingthe MCA on ways to reflect the needs and interests of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander artists and audiences in all areas of the MCA’s program.

Corporate partnerships are integral to the sustainable development of the MCA andits programs. Corporations such as Leading Sponsor Telstra continue to assist theMCA in achieving one of its key strategic objectives to provide wider access to contemporary art through their support of the MCA’s free admission policy. TheAmerican Express Foundation, QANTAS and small and medium sized businessessuch as Bimbadgen Estate Winery and accommodation sponsor Saville 2 BondStreet provide products and services that contribute to the MCA delivering a vibrantand diverse program.

The MCA Corporate Membership program and its 20 plus members enjoyed an annualprogram of unique benefits from exclusive networking and entertaining opportunities,complimentary passes to MCA ticketed exhibitions and special events, and ‘can’t buy’MCA experiences to involve Members’ staff and clients in the life of the Museum.

The MCA greatly values the many companies in its sponsor family for the ongoingsupport of the Museum and of contemporary visual art, contemporary artists and contemporary ideas.

32

Leading Sponsor

Major SponsorsAmerican ExpressBimbadgen Estate WinesDeependEakin McCaffery CoxJCDecaux AustraliaVolkswagen Group Australia

Corporate Principals Clariti Pty LtdHaycom StagingSaville 2 Bond StreetStancombe Research and Planning Pty Ltd

As at 31 December 2003

Corporate PartnersCulinary EdgeIIR ConferencesProperty AustraliaQantas Airways LimitedRaleigh Paper Co Pty LtdStollznow Research Pty LtdStreet VisionTransfield Pty LtdWattyl AustraliaWebsdale Printing Group

Corporate AssociatesBelinda Franks CateringCollex Pty LtdDavid Grant Special EventsFJMT ArchitectsFunktionality Event ManagementGastronomyJames Gordon WorkshopLehman & AssociatesLittle CreaturesWaterways Authority NSW

Corporate Sponsorship 2003

SPONSORS

Exhibition installation viewJonathan Jones Untitled 2003

Image courtesy and © the artist.Photograph: Vicky Irving.

From the exhibition Primavera 2003:Exhibition of young Australian artists.

2001 2002 2003

Gallery/Exhibition Visitors 232,554 293,488 313,180

After hours events/programs 36,027 10,886 7,076

Commercial Functions 30,831 43,476 34,305

MCA Café 31,566 48,500 42,744

Touring Exhibitions 17,882 110,781** 64,159

TOTAL MCA AUDIENCE 348,860 507,131 461,464

** 2002National touring program – 13,008 visitorsInternational touring program – 97,773 visitors2003National touring program – 20,211 visitorsInternational touring program – 43,948 visitors

33

Exhibition installation viewTracey Moffatt Laudanum 1998Museum of Contemporary Art,December 2003.From the exhibition Tracey Moffatt.

Visitor Statistics

34

The following details outward loans from the MCA Collection both nationally andinternationally. In 2003, 27 works in total were sent on loan to 9 Australian and 3international venues. Through the MCA’s outwards loan of artworks 227,692 visitorswere exposed to works from the MCA Collection throughout the year.

Brisbane City Gallery, Brisbane, Queensland23 January – 23 March 2003Rosemary Laing exhibition1 work by Rosemary Laing

Ivan Dougherty Gallery, Sydney, New South Wales27 March – 3 May 2003Parthenogenesis exhibition1 work by Barbara Kruger, 1 work by Keith Haring, 2 works by Cindy Sherman

Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, Perth, Western Australia4 April – 1 June 2003Eddy exhibition1 work by Susan Norrie

Monash University Museum of Art, Melbourne, Victoria6 June 2003 – 31 December 2004Hothouse: the flower in contemporary art travelling exhibition(travelling to State Library of Victoria, Geelong Gallery, Ballarat Art Gallery,McClelland Art Gallery, Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale)

1 work by Gail Hastings

City Gallery, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand13 July – 19 October 2003Shane Cotton 1993-2003 exhibition1 work by Shane Cotton

Monash University Museum of Art, Melbourne, Victoria22 July – 30 August 2003Anathematic: Constanze Zikos exhibition1 work by Constanze Zikos

Glen Eira City Gallery, Caulfield, Victoria5 October – 5 November 2003Jan Murray Survey exhibition1 work by Jan Murray

MCA Collection Outward Loans

35

Pataka Porirua Museum of Arts and Culture, Porirua, New Zealand22 November 2003 – 2 June 2004Image and Object: Still life in New Zealand travelling exhibition(travelling to Wellington City Gallery)1 work by Rosalie Gascoigne

National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria28 November 2003 – 8 February 2004Peter Booth:Human/Nature exhibition1 work by Peter Booth

Telstra Corporation, Sydney, New South Wales28 July 2003 – 26 January 20049 works: 1 work by Andrew Browne, 1 work by Hilarie Mais, 1 work by Kerrie Poliness,1 work by Linda Marrinon, 1 work by David Daymirringu, 1 work by Wally Lipuwanga,1 work by Fred Nanganharralil, 1 work by George Malibirr, 1 work by Jimmy Barnabul

Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsQuestion of Faith travelling exhibition Travelling to Auckland Art Gallery, National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of NewSouth Wales)1 work by Colin McCahon

Museum of New Zealand/Te Papa Tongarewa, Auckland, New Zealand29 June 2002 – 28 February 2003Voyagers exhibition1 work by Fordham Roam

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory4 October 2002 – 27 January 2003The Big Americans exhibition1 work by Helen Frankenthaler

Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, New South Wales9 July 2002 – 9 July 2003Bayagul – speaking up; contemporary Indigenous communication exhibition3 works by Anchor Kalunba and Frank Malkorda

36

Chairman of the MCA BoardDavid Coe, Managing Director, Allco Finance Group

Board MembersAndrew Love, Partner , Ferrier Hodgson (appointed 29 January 2003)Greg Woolley, Managing Director, Allco Investment BankLucy Turnbull, Lord Mayor, City of SydneyJulie Rrap, Artist Matthew Howison, Director, Investment Banking, Salomon Smith Barney Peter Steigrad, Former Chairman, Young & RubicamPeter Ivany, Executive Chairman, Ivany InvestmentsTerri Janke, Solictor, Terri Janke and Company Peter Thomas, Partner – International Tax Group, KPMG (resigned 8 July 2003)John Cox (Company Secretary), Solicitor, Eakin McCaffery Cox

MCA Board

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MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART LIMITEDACN 003 765 517ABN 15 003 765 517A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE140 GEORGE STREETSYDNEY NSW 2000AUSTRALIA

FINANCIAL REPORTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2003

Financial Statements 2003

38

Your directors present their report on the company for the year ended 31 December 2003.

DirectorsThe following persons were directors of the company during the whole of the financial year andup to the date of this report:David CoeJulie RrapPeter Steigrad Greg Woolley Matthew Howison Lucy Turnbull

The following persons were appointed directors and continue in office at the date of this report:Andrew Love (appointed on 29 January 2003)Peter Ivany (appointed on 29 January 2003)Terri Janke (appointed on 24 September 2003)

Peter Thomas was a director from the beginning of the financial year until his resignation on 8July 2003.

Attendance's by Directors who held office during the year at meetings of the board are as follows.

Meetings Held Meetings AttendedDavid Coe 6 5 Julie Rrap 6 5 Peter Steigrad 6 6 Greg Woolley 6 4 Matthew Howison 6 4 Lucy Turnbull 6 2 Andrew Love 6 4 Peter Ivany 6 4 Terri Janke 6 2 Peter Thomas 6 2

Principal activitiesThe principal activity of the Company was the operation of a Museum of Contemporary Art.

After providing $nil for income tax, operations for the year ended 31 December 2003, resultedin a surplus of $435,050 [2002: surplus of $170,705]

DividendsThe Company is a Company limited by guarantee and is restricted from declaring any dividends.

Significant changes in the state of affairsDuring the year ended 31 December 2003, there was no significant change in the state ofaffairs of the company.

Directors’ ReportFor the year ended 31 December 2003

39

Matters subsequent to the end of the financial yearThere has not been any matter or circumstance that has arisen since the end of the financial year(refer to subsequent events note 20 in the financial report), that has significantly affected or maysignificantly affect the operations of the Company, the results of those operations or the stateof affairs of the company in subsequent years.

No director has received or become entitled to receive, during or since the financial year, a benefitbecause of a contract made by the Company, controlled entity or a related body corporate withthe director, a firm of which the director is a member or an entity in which the director has a substantial financial interest.

Environmental regulationThere are no significant environmental regulations which affect the Company's operations.

Insurance of officersDuring the financial year, the company paid a premium of $16,054 to insure the directors, secretary and senior officers of the company.

The liabilities insured are legal costs that may be incurred in defending civil or criminal proceedings that may be brought against the officers in their capacity as officers of the company,and any other payments arising from liabilities incurred by the officers in connection with suchproceedings, other than where such liabilities arise out of conduct involving a wilful breach ofduty by the officers or the improper use by the officers of their position or of information to gainadvantage for themselves or someone else or to cause detriment to the company. It is not possible to apportion the premium between amounts relating to the insurance against legalcosts and those relating to other liabilities.

Proceedings on behalf of the companyNo person has applied to the Court under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001 for leaveto bring proceedings on behalf of the company, or to intervene in any proceedings to which thecompany is a party, for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the company for all orpart of those proceedings.

No proceedings have been brought or intervened in on behalf of the company with leave of theCourt under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001.

Likely developments and expected results of operationsInformation on likely developments in the company's operations and the expected results ofoperations have not been included in this report because the directors believe it would be likely toresult in unreasonable prejudice to the company.

This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

D COE A LOVECHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD CHAIRMAN OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEESydney, 28 April 2004

Notes 2003 2002$ $

Revenue from ordinary activities 2 9,510,643 8,795,847

ExpensesDepreciation & Amortisation expenses 3(a) (327,345) (309,510)Employee benefits expense (3,540,431) (3,302,455)Purchase of inventories for resale (699,381) (510,484)Changes in inventories 43,454 (74,978)Exhibition costs (1,432,924) (1,518,170)Advertising (179,820) (215,042)Cleaning (183,971) (155,610)Contractors & Artist fees (168,444) (118,255)Insurance (256,952) (222,941)Electricity (243,435) (213,091)Marketing & Promotion (241,154) (266,384)Repairs and Maintenance (260,983) (339,413)Security (301,700) (145,763)Telephone (78,873) (96,094)Travel Local & Overseas (132,508) (131,185)Printing & Stationery (90,708) (87,766)Signage & Display (73,272) (57,436)Storage Rental (71,267) (75,530)Computer Maintenance & Consumables (77,209) (88,613)Carrying value of disposed fixed assets (63,045) - Other expenses (695,625) (696,422)

Profit from ordinary activities before income tax expense 3 435,050 170,705

Income tax expense - -

Net profit 435,050 170,705

Revenue, expenses and valuation adjustmentsrecognised directly in equity - -

Total changes in equity other than those resultingfrom transactions with owners as owners 435,050 170,705

The above statement of financial performance should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

40

Statement of financial performanceFor the year ended 31 December 2003

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2003

41

Notes 2003 2002$ $

Current assets

Cash assets 6 3,950,715 3,569,485Receivables 7 743,244 440,235Inventories 8 287,441 243,987Prepayments 9 20,392 154,066

Total current assets 5,001,792 4,407,773

Non-current assetsProperty, plant and equipment 10 12,619,625 12,713,928

Total non-current assets 12,619,625 12,713,928

Total assets 17,621,417 17,121,701

Current liabilities

Payables 11 1,317,169 1,411,273Provisions 12 186,443 195,614 Income in Advance 13 1,788,449 1,620,508

Total current liabilities 3,292,061 3,227,395

Total liabilities 3,292,061 3,227,395

Net assets 14,329,356 13,894,306

EquityRetained Profits 14 14,329,356 13,894,306

TOTAL MEMBERS' FUNDS 14,329,356 13,894,306


Statement of financial positionAs at 31 December 2003


Notes 2003 2002 $ $

Inflows/(Outflows) Inflows/(Outflows)

Cash flows from operating activitiesReceipts from customers (inclusive of goods and services tax) 9,970,987 9,752,027Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of goods and services tax) (9,519,584) (8,918,763)Interest received 145,342 102,621

Net cash inflow from operating activities 24 596,745 935,885

Cash flows from investing activitiesPayments for property, plant and equipment (296,087) (362,088)Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 80,572 -

Net cash (outflow) from investing activities (215,515) (362,088)

Net increase in cash held 381,230 573,797

Cash at beginning of the financial year 6 3,569,485 2,995,688

Cash at the end of the financial year 6 3,950,715 3,569,485


42

Statement of cash flowsFor the year ended 31 December 2003


43

Notes to and forming part of the accountsFor the year ended 31 December 2003

1 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

This general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with AccountingStandards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board,Urgent Issues Group Consensus Views and the Corporations Act 2001.

It is prepared in accordance with the historic cost convention. The accounting policies adoptedare consistent with those of the previous year.

(A) DEPRECIATION & AMORTISATION

Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis so as to write off the net cost of each depreciable non-current asset over its expected useful life.

The expected useful lives are as follows:Plant and Equipment 3 - 5 YearsMotor Vehicles 5 YearsBooks and Publications 5 YearsFurniture and Fittings 2 - 9 YearsComputer Equipment 3 - 5 YearsWorks of Art Refer 1 (D)

Amortisation of the leasehold improvements is calculated on the straight line basis so as to writeoff the net cost over the remainder of the lease term ending in 2039.

(B) EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENTS(i) Wages, salaries and annual leave

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits and annual leave expected tobe settled within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised in other creditors in respect ofemployees' services up to the reporting date and are measured at the amounts expected to bepaid when the liabilities are settled.

(ii) Long Service LeaveThe liability for long service leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting dateis recognised in the provision for employee benefits and is measured in accordance with (i)above. The liability for long service leave expected to be settled more than 12 months from thereporting date is recognised in the provision for employee benefits and measured as the presentvalue of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees upto the reporting date. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experienceof employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted usingmarket yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.


(C) J W POWER BEQUEST AND THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

The MCA entered in the management agreement with the University of Sydney on 31 December2001 in which the University appoints the Museum as manager of the Collection. At that timethe University also waived all outstanding loans and interest owed by the Museum to the Bequestin return for an on-going agreement to provide Services to the Collection. The value of thoseworks is not reflected in the financial statements.

(D) WORKS OF ART

The company acquires and is gifted art from time to time. Such works when acquired are capitalised at their acquisition cost. Works of Art gifted to the Museum have been recognisedat fair value at the time of the gift in accordance with UIG11 "Accounting for contributions of, orcontributions for the acquisition of , non-current assets". Expenses relating to the acquisition, includingfreight and packaging where applicable, are written off in the year in which they are incurred.

The Company also, from time to time, holds on trust, works of art belonging to various other bodies. These works are not reflected within the financial statements of the company.

(E) EXHIBITION INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

The Company, as part of its activities, organises exhibitions and other projects of contemporaryworks, both from Australia and overseas. Such exhibitions and other projects may incur costs andexpenses in years prior to them being held. In addition, the Company seeks sponsorships andgrants to offset those expenses and these may also be received prior to the exhibition or other project.

Both income and expenditure for projects are brought to account progressively on a pro-ratabasis over the period of the relevant exhibition and the unrealised portion carried forward asIncome in Advance or Prepayments.

(F) INVENTORIES

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

(G) BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS

Books and Publications acquired for the Library are capitalised at their acquisition cost. Booksand Publications gifted to the Museum are brought to account if of value. The books and publications are depreciated in accordance with (A) above.

44 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2003

45

(H) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

Foreign currency transactions during the period are converted to Australian currency at the ratesof exchange applicable to the dates of transactions. Amounts receivable and payable in foreigncurrencies at balance date are converted at the rates of exchange ruling at balance date.

The gains and losses from conversion of short term assets and liabilities, whether realised orunrealised, are recognised in determining profit or loss.

(I) SPONSORSHIP INCOME

Income received from sponsors for Corporate Membership is recognised at the date of receiptwhilst income from Corporate Sponsorship is amortised over the life of the sponsorship.

(J) LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

The MCA entered into an agreement to lease with Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority for aterm of thirty seven years from 1 January 2002 to 15 March 2039. The expenditure on LeaseholdImprovements has been recognised as an asset of the Company. Leasehold Improvements willbe amortised over the remaining period of the lease.

(K) RECEIVABLES AND REVENUE RECOGNITION

Trade receivables are recognised at the amounts receivable as they are due for settlement nomore than 30 days from the date of recognition.

Collectibility of trade debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to beuncollectable are written off. A provision for doubtful debts is raised when some doubt as to collection exists.

(L) TRADE AND OTHER CREDITORS

These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the economic entity priorto the end of the financial year and which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usuallypaid within 30 days of recognition.

(M) BORROWINGS

The MCA has no outstanding loans to any parties for the 2003 financial year.

(N) CASH

For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash includes Cash on hand and Cash at Bank.Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the statement of cash flows is detailed in Note6 to the financial statements.


2 REVENUE

Notes 2003 2002 $ $

Revenue from operating activitiesTrading Revenue 22 1,099,701 898,581 Other Revenue:

Membership Income 26,549 22,218 Grants:Ministry for the Arts NSW - Operations 21 2,700,000 2,700,000 Australia Council grants 305,000 280,000 Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority grant 300,000 400,000 Other 75,000 138,636

Sponsorship 396,579 520,306 Donations 632,760 536,799 Education Income 40,332 57,275 Entrance Fees 298,767 48,694 Function Room Hire 1,162,842 893,536 Fundraising Events 118,070 77,372 Rent Received 2,078,712 1,967,003 Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 80,572 - Other 50,417 108,860

9,365,301 8,649,280

Revenue from outside the operating activities

Interest Received 145,342 102,621 Gifts of Work to the Collection - 43,946

145,342 146,567

Revenue from ordinary activities 9,510,643 8,795,847


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3 PROFIT FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

Notes 2003 2002 $ $

(a) Net gains and expensesProfit from ordinary activities before income tax expense includes the following specific netgains and expenses:

Net gainsNet gain on disposal of Property, plant and equipment 17,527 -

ExpensesCost of sales of goods 655,927 585,462

DepreciationPlant & Equipment 71,944 67,819 Books & Publications 2,294 6,495 Furniture & Fittings 54,800 33,550 Computer Equipment 32,172 31,521 Motor Vehicle 14,238 14,009 Total depreciation 175,448 153,394

AmortisationLeasehold improvements 151,897 156,116

Other expensesEmployee entitlements 253,026 285,197 Stock write-down and obsolescence 36,000 36,000 Sponsor benefits 30,339 16,730 Total other provisions 319,365 337,927

4 AUDITORS REMUNERATIONRemuneration for audit of the financial report of the company 26,000 26,000

5 INCOME TAXThe Company has been granted an exemption from paying income tax under section 50-5 of theIncome Tax Assessment Act (1997)


Notes 2003 2002 $ $

6 CURRENT ASSETS - CASH

Cash on hand 2,150 1,800

Cash at bank:Cheque account - Operations 457,759 439,479 Cash Management Fund and Term Deposit 3,428,102 3,056,857 Capital Appeal Fund Account 39,829 38,526 Belinda Jackson Acquisition Fund 22,875 32,823

3,950,715 3,569,485

Cash at bank earns interest at variable rates.

7 CURRENT ASSETS - RECEIVABLES

Trade Debtors 599,133 283,609 Less: Provision for doubtful debts (10,566) (17,186)

588,567 266,423

Other Debtors 154,677 173,812

743,244 440,235

8 CURRENT ASSETS - INVENTORIES

Finished goods 1(F) 353,635 307,601 Less: Provision for Stock Write-down (51,633) (51,277)Less: Provision for Stock Obsolescence (14,561) (12,337)

287,441 243,987

9 CURRENT ASSETS - PREPAYMENTS

Exhibitions 1(E) - 141,598 Other 20,392 12,468

20,392 154,066


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Notes 2003 2002 $ $

10 NON-CURRENT ASSETS - PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Leasehold Improvements, at cost 1(J) 7,613,754 7,613,753 Less: Accumulated Depreciation 1(A) (2,145,442) (1,993,543)

Net Book Value 5,468,312 5,620,210

Plant & Equipment, at cost 640,940 562,065 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (545,340) (473,397)

Net Book Value 95,600 88,668

Works of Art, at cost 1(D) 6,616,980 6,580,889 Less: Accumulated Depreciation 1(A) - -

Net Book Value 6,616,980 6,580,889

Books & Publications, at cost 1(G) 113,822 113,821 Less: Accumulated Depreciation 1(A) (113,630) (111,335)

Net Book Value 192 2,486

Furniture & Fittings, at cost 724,213 641,122 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (363,283) (308,482)


Computer Equipment, at cost 284,296 272,936 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (249,400) (217,228)


Motor Vehicle, at cost 77,596 70,049 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (34,881) (36,722)


TOTAL PLANT & EQUIPMENT 12,619,625 12,713,928


* Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of each class of plant and equipment at the beginning

and end of the current financial year are set out below:

An independent valuation of the company's works of art was carried out by Simon Storey valuers in December 2003. This indicated a market value of $11,080,891.

Notes 2003 2002 $ $

11 CURRENT LIABILITIES - PAYABLES

Trade Creditors 827,216 714,432 Other Creditors 489,953 696,841

1,317,169 1,411,273

12 CURRENT LIABILITIES - PROVISIONS

Provisions 10,000 10,000 Provision for employee entitlements 1(B) 176,443 185,614

186,443 195,614

Employee numbersAverage number of employees during the financial year 67 66

50

Carrying amount at 1 January 2003

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation/Amortisation expense

Carrying amount at31 December 2003

LeaseholdImprove-ments$

5,620,210

-

-

(151,898)

5,468,312

Plant &Equipment

$

88,668

78,875

-

(71,943)

95,600

Works ofArt

$

6,580,889

36,091

-

-

6,616,980

Books &Publications

$

2,486

-

(2,294)

192

Furniture & Fittings

$

332,640

83,090

-

(54,800)

360,930

ComputerEquipment

$

55,708

11,360

-

(32,172)

34,896

MotorVehicle

$

33,327

86,672

(63,046)

(14,238)

42,715

Total

$

12,713,928

296,088

(63,046)

(327,345)

12,619,625


NOTE 10 (continued)

51

Notes 2003 2002 $ $

13 CURRENT LIABILITIES - INCOME IN ADVANCE

Income in Advance 138,449 145,508 Income in Advance: government grant 1,650,000 1,475,000

1,788,449 1,620,508

14 RETAINED PROFITS

Retained ProfitsRetained profits at the beginning of the financial year 13,894,306 13,723,601 Net profit 435,050 170,705

Retained profits at the end of the financial year 14,329,356 13,894,306

Included in the above amounts are:- Forgiveness of loans 1(C) 6,565,390 6,565,390 - Gifts of works of art to the Collection 1(D) 4,996,473 4,996,473

15 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Credit Risk Exposures

The credit risk on financial assets of the Company is the carrying value, net of any provision fordoubtful debts.

Interest Rate Risk Exposures

The Company's exposure to interest rate risk and the interest rate for each class of financialassets and liabilities are set out in note 6.

Net Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Financial assets and liabilities comprise of cash at bank. The net fair value of financial assetsand liabilities approximates their carrying value.


16 REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS

2003 2002

Number of directors whose remuneration was within the following band:$0 - $10,000 10 7

2003 2002$ $

Amounts received or due and receivable from the company and related corporations by directors of the company: Nil Nil

Director who held office during the period were as follows:David CoePeter Thomas (resigned 8 July 2003)Julie RrapPeter SteigradGreg WoolleyMatthew HowisonLucy TurnbullAndrew LovePeter IvanyTerri Janke

17 SEGMENTS

The principal activity of the Company during the year was the management of the Museum ofContemporary Art. The Company operates predominantly in one geographical area, being Australia.

18 SHARE CAPITAL

The Company is a company limited by guarantee and as such does not have authorised orissued capital. Every member of the Company undertakes to contribute to the property of theCompany, in the event of the Company being wound up during the time that the member is amember, or within one year afterwards, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Companycontracted before the time at which the member ceases to be a member, and of the costs, chargesand expenses of winding up the same, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributorsamongst themselves, such amounts as may be required not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00).


53

19 ECONOMIC DEPENDENCY

The MCA is partially funded by the Government of the State of New South Wales under the aus-pices of its Ministry for the Arts.

20 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

There has not been any matter of circumstance that has arisen since the end of the financial yearthat has significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the Company, theresults of those operations or the state of affairs of the company in subsequent years.

21 MINISTRY FOR THE ARTS NSW

Grant of $2.7M [2002: $2.7M] was received from the Ministry for the Arts NSW for the periodfrom January to December 2003. Grant of $1.35M was also received in advance from theMinistry for the Arts for the period from January to July 2004.

22 TRADING ACCOUNT

2003 2002 $ $

Sales - Merchandise 1,099,701 898,581 Less: Cost of Goods Sold (655,927) (585,462)

Gross Profit 443,774 313,119

23 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company does not have any contingent liabilities at 31 December 2003.


24 Reconciliation of net profit to cash used in operating activities

Net Profit 435,050 170,705

Depreciation and Amortisation 327,345 309,510 Donations of artworks - (43,946)Net gain on disposal of fixed assets (17,527) -

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Decrease in provisions (9,171) (19,957)Increase/(Decrease) in income in advance 167,941 (35,492)(Increase)/Decrease in receivables (303,009) 299,658 Decrease in prepayments 133,674 35,036 (Increase)/Decrease in inventory (43,454) 74,978 Increase in trade creditors 112,784 21,977 (Decrease)/Increase in other creditors (206,888) 123,416

Net cash used in operating activities 596,745 935,885

There were no bank overdrafts at 31 December 2003.


55

The Directors declare that the financial statements and notes set out on pages 4 - 15:(a) comply with Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements, and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and

(b) give a true and fair view of the company's financial position as at 31 December 2003and of its performance, as represented by the results of its operations and its cash flows,for the financial year ended on that date.

In the Director's opinion:(a) the financial statements and notes are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001; and

(b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debtsas and when they become due and payable.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

D COE A LOVECHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD CHAIRMAN OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEESydney, 28 April 2004

Director’s DeclarationFor the year ended 31 December 2003

Circular Quay West, Sydney AustraliaPh: 61 2 9252 4033

Fax: 61 2 9252 4361Email: [email protected]

www.mca.com.au

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