Vision and purpose, National Portrait Gallery
Source: http://www.portrait.gov.au/content/vision-statement
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Vision and purpose, National Portrait Gallery
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.
Vision and purpose
The Gallery
/
About us
John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror - creative space, April 2026
Vision
To reflect the face of Australia, tell Australian stories and increase understanding and appreciation of Australian people through the art of portraiture – their identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.
Purpose
The National Portrait Gallery’s role is to:
develop, preserve, maintain and promote a national collection of portraits and other works of art
develop and engage a national audience for the collection, exhibitions, education, research, publications, and public and online programs.
Values
Creativity
We inspire people, communities and the nation through portraiture. We are bold and adventurous in the work we do and the art we share.
We champion creativity across our work.
Innovation
We lead by example, presenting work that is creative, original and meets the highest standards of excellence.
We challenge ourselves and our audiences. We consistently reflect this in our work, and through the portraiture we share.
We evolve with and respond to our times while acknowledging our commitment to tell Australian stories across generations.
Inclusivity
We are approachable and welcoming to all, and we value diversity and respect differences.
We strive for all Australians to be seen and see themselves in our work. We build and maintain strong relationships and connections with our audiences, communities and creative partners.
We listen and adapt.
Integrity
We are accountable and responsible for our actions and we act ethically, with honesty and empathy. We respect the focus of our unique collection: the sitters, the artists and their stories.
We engage in challenging conversations about our work, we acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them.
The Gallery
About us
History
Vision and purpose
Governance & Board
Architecture
Our team
Related information
The Gallery
Visit us, learn with us, support us or work with us! Here’s a range of information about planning your visit, our history and more!
Support your Portrait Gallery
We depend on your support to keep creating our programs, exhibitions, publications and building the amazing portrait collection!
Plan your visit
Information on location, accessibility and amenities.
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© National Portrait Gallery 2026
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone
+61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196
The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.
This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.
The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the
Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth)
. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a
Reproduction request
. For further information please contact
NPG Copyright
.
The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency
Skip to main content
What's on
The Portraits
Visit
The Gallery
Learn
Watch
Members
More
O
What's on
On view
Plan your Visit
Full calendar
Exhibitions
Touring exhibitions
Prizes
National Photographic Portrait Prize
Darling Portrait Prize
The Portraits
Highlights
Currently on display
Watch
Portrait stories
On demand
The Gallery
About us
Support the Gallery
Venue hire
Publications
Research library
Organisation chart
Employment
Contact us
Governance & Board
Vision and purpose
Annual report
Circle of Friends
Become a member
Renew membership
Learn
Make a booking
Onsite programs
Online programs
School visit information
Learning resources
Little Darlings
Professional learning
Access
Audio description
Disability Inclusion Access Plan
Search the website
close
close
What's on
The Portraits
The Gallery
Learn
Watch
More
O
The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.
Vision and purpose
The Gallery
/
About us
John Brack x Noel McKenna: A face in the mirror - creative space, April 2026
Vision
To reflect the face of Australia, tell Australian stories and increase understanding and appreciation of Australian people through the art of portraiture – their identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.
Purpose
The National Portrait Gallery’s role is to:
develop, preserve, maintain and promote a national collection of portraits and other works of art
develop and engage a national audience for the collection, exhibitions, education, research, publications, and public and online programs.
Values
Creativity
We inspire people, communities and the nation through portraiture. We are bold and adventurous in the work we do and the art we share.
We champion creativity across our work.
Innovation
We lead by example, presenting work that is creative, original and meets the highest standards of excellence.
We challenge ourselves and our audiences. We consistently reflect this in our work, and through the portraiture we share.
We evolve with and respond to our times while acknowledging our commitment to tell Australian stories across generations.
Inclusivity
We are approachable and welcoming to all, and we value diversity and respect differences.
We strive for all Australians to be seen and see themselves in our work. We build and maintain strong relationships and connections with our audiences, communities and creative partners.
We listen and adapt.
Integrity
We are accountable and responsible for our actions and we act ethically, with honesty and empathy. We respect the focus of our unique collection: the sitters, the artists and their stories.
We engage in challenging conversations about our work, we acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them.
The Gallery
About us
History
Vision and purpose
Governance & Board
Architecture
Our team
Related information
The Gallery
Visit us, learn with us, support us or work with us! Here’s a range of information about planning your visit, our history and more!
Support your Portrait Gallery
We depend on your support to keep creating our programs, exhibitions, publications and building the amazing portrait collection!
Plan your visit
Information on location, accessibility and amenities.
Home
Contact
Media
Privacy statement
User agreement
Social media and community guidelines
© National Portrait Gallery 2026
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone
+61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196
The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.
This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.
The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the
Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth)
. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a
Reproduction request
. For further information please contact
NPG Copyright
.
The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency