It is with great regret we advise that the 2019 Rotary Art Spectacular was the final staging of this wonderful event. Plans for the 2020 art show were curtailed by the advent of the COVID–19 pandemic. This led in turn to a review of the viability of continuing this long-standing annual event. Regrettably, ongoing uncertainties across a number of areas have forced the decision to bring the project to a close.
The Rotary Art Spectacular was initiated by The Rotary Club of Stones Corner in 1980. The event has been a joint Rotary project since 2002, staged through the combined efforts and contributions of the Rotary Clubs of Stones Corner, Hamilton and Brisbane High–Rise.
Long established as a feature on the Brisbane art scene the project has delivered extensive benefits to participating artists and community beneficiaries. Through the course of its 40-year history combined art sales were in the vicinity of $2m. Funds raised and distributed to Rotary’s beneficiaries were of the same order of magnitude.
The event and its success were a consequence of contributions and support from a wide cross-section of the community; from the artists, the curators, the generous sponsors, the venue managers, the art buyers, the Opening Night regulars and the very willing, capable and professional band of Rotarians. We are grateful and appreciative of this broad support delivered year after year.
It’s sad to see such a wonderful event come to a close. Please be assured it’s a decision made with the greatest of reluctance.
With every best wish,
The Organising Committee of the Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular.
