Museums and Art Galleries Board of the NT
Board Functions
Although the Board’s primary function is advisory, under Section 11 of the Museums and Art Galleries Act 1999 (NT) it also has power (non-exclusive in some cases) ‘to do all things necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance of its functions’. Under Sections 11(1)(a) and (2) of the Act, this includes the acquisition of objects or articles for inclusion in a collection held by the Board, provided an assurance is given by the Director that funds have been or will be allocated to meet this commitment. In practice however, this power is only exercised in exceptional circumstances. In the normal course of events, acquisitions occur by curatorial proposal, Director’s recommendation, and subject to Board endorsement, Director’s approval. Under Sections 6(2) and 11(b) of the Act, the de-accessioning or disposal of collection items may only be effected by the Minister for Arts and Museums by mutual approval of the Board and the Minister.
The Board may also establish bodies to support the promotion or support of museums and art galleries in the Northern Territory (with approval of the Minister), and accept gifts or devise bequests, endowments, sponsorship or other funding for the collections it holds on trust.
The Board holds MAGNT collections on behalf of the Minister and informs or makes recommendations to the Minister regarding the capacity of museums and art galleries of the Northern Territory to meet their strategic goals.
The Board is also responsible for management of the Meteorites Act 1988 (NT).
Board Members
Contact:
Professor Marcia Langton – Chairperson
Museums & Art Galleries Board of the Northern Territory
C/- Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
GPO Box 4646
DARWIN NT 0801
