Commonwealth Art Advisory Board
CAAB
1912 – 1973
Board of practising artists that advised the Commonwealth on portraits commissioned for the Historic Memorials Collection and on the acquisition of works of art for a national collection.
How it came into existence
Formed in 1912 by executive decision of the Fisher government to advise the Historic Memorials Committee and the Prime Minister on art commissions and purchases; it took over no functions from an existing body.
Changes during its life
- 31 May 1971Moved with the other Commonwealth arts functions to the Department of the Environment, Aborigines and the Arts.
- 19 December 1972Arts functions returned to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet under the Whitlam government.
How it ended
Dissolved in 1973; its role in acquiring works for the national collection passed to the interim council of the Australian National Gallery and its support for contemporary artists to the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council.
- support for contemporary visual artists
Patronage role taken over by the Visual Arts Board; the collection role went to the Australian National Gallery's interim council.
- Acquisition of works of art for the national collection
The role passed on the board's dissolution in 1973 to an interim Acquisitions Committee, which the reconstituted Interim Council took over in 1974.
Main functions
- advice on Historic Memorials Collection portraits
- advice on acquisitions for a national art collection
- advice on works of art for Commonwealth buildings and embassies
- advice on the proposed national gallery
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.