The Cultural Attractions of Australia (CAOA) has welcomed two new members with the National Portrait Gallery and the Australian Institute of Sport joining the collection.
The two prestigious Canberra-based institutions are both are set to enhance Cultural Attractions offerings, aligning with its aims and objectives to promote cultural tourism.
Part of Tourism Australia’s Signature experiences, CAOA celebrates the diverse history, art, culture and sports that define the nation’s identity. It now comprises 19 members and unites Australia’s cultural icons to provide a range of curated experiences designed to connect individuals and groups with curators, artists, and knowledgeable guides for a truly unique perspective of each attraction.
“The Australian Institute of Sport and the National Portrait Gallery are excellent additions to the Cultural Attractions of Australia collective, which continues to showcase the best of Australia’s cultural offerings to the world,” managing director of Tourism Australia, Phillipa Harrison, said. “The growth of the CAOA collective supports Tourism Australia’s commitment to highlighting the rich and diverse range of cultural experiences on offer.”
The National Portrait Gallery provides a boutique art gallery experience that brings visitors face-to-face with portraits of those who have shaped the nation. Through the art of portraiture, the gallery shares Australian stories to deepen the understanding and appreciation of the nation’s people.
National Portrait Gallery director, Bree Pickering, said the National Portrait Gallery was the only cultural institution with the express mandate to share the evolution of Australian identity through art.
“Through portraiture, the Gallery encourages conversation about who we are, where we’ve come from and who we want to be as a nation,” she said.
“We are thrilled to join the Cultural Attractions of Australia collective and bring unique experiences that will captivate and inspire local and international audiences. Joining the collective also allows us to leverage CAOA trade and industry partnerships that will connect the Gallery with new markets and visitors.”
The world of high-performance sport
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is synonymous with sporting excellence and innovation. As a world class facility, the AIS not only nurtures elite athletes but also offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of high-performance sport. Through interactive tours and exhibitions, visitors gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s sporting achievements and the dedication behind them. The inclusion of the AIS in the CAOA collective underscores the importance of sport as a cultural pillar and a significant draw for tourists.
“The AIS has played an incredibly important role in Australia’s sporting success on the international stage over the past four decades,” Australian Sports Commission CEO and former Olympian, Kieren Perkins, said.
“Some of the nation’s biggest names have trained and competed at the AIS Campus in Canberra and generations of students have been inspired to chase their dreams by visiting the iconic facility. Following the Australian Government’s recent commitment to revitalise the AIS Campus to support our athletes in the lead up to Brisbane 2032, we are delighted to join CAOA and ensure every Australian understands the benefits of sport.”
Both new members share a commitment to promoting cultural tourism in Australia. By joining the CAOA, both institutions are poised to contribute significantly to the collective’s mission. Their participation helps build greater awareness of the diverse cultural experiences available in Australia, encouraging more travellers to explore and appreciate the nation’s rich cultural landscape.
