Rockhampton Art Gallery was established in 1967 and houses a group of mid-twentieth century paintings and works on paper that is arguably the finest in regional Queensland, and one of the most significant in regional Australia. Artists include Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale, John Brack, Fred Williams, Grace Cossington Smith and Jeffrey Smart.
The Gallery manages two art awards: the Gold Award, an acquisitive art prize worth AUD50,000 for contemporary Australian paintings; and the Bayton Award, a non-acquisitive prize worth AUD5,000 for Central Queensland residents. Through these Awards, the Gallery has re-energised its collection of paintings to now include works by contemporary artists Michael Zavros, Sally Gabori, Victoria Reichelt and Ben Quilty.
The Gallery offers an innovated exhibition program, with displays drawn from the Gallery's collection, and through hosting touring exhibitions from international, national, state, regional and university galleries.
A diverse range of education and public programs are offered to visitors of all ages, from toddlers through to lifelong learners. The Gallery has a gift shop, and is supported by Rockhampton Regional Council; Rockhampton Art Gallery Trust and; Friends of Rockhampton Art Gallery.
