Newspaper Article
- Sydney Daily Telegraph 23 May 1974
This version was transcribed from a image of the newspaper article that had the bottom missing - hence the ????
ACTION, LIGHT, CAMERA!
Peter Gabelle
It has been nine months since the launching of the Australian Foundation for Photography, funded by a grant of $25,000 from the Visual Arts Board.
This was the first time in Australian history that photography had received government support and recognition, and event which was greeted with enthusiasm by photographers in this country, and created considerable interest overseas.
Five trustees were appointed to administer the foundation: David Moore, Wes Stacey, Daniel Thomas, Peter Keys and Laurie Le Guay.
Later, Graig McGregor was appointed, bringing the number of trustees to six.
Approximately three months ago a full-time director was appointed at salary and expenses of $12,000 a year, followed by a secretary, at an undisclosed salary.
Problems
In the past nine months a number of problems have been encountered. The name Australian Foundation for Photography was unacceptable for registration, and it was necessary to find a new name and form a limited company.
The foundation has now become the Australian Centre for Photography.
Premises for a gallery and offices had to be found, and a terrace house in Paddington is being converted for this purpose.
After a couple of false starts, the opening of the gallery is now set for September, 12 months after the initial launching.
A further grant from the Visual Arts Board of ??? brings the total to ????.
??? September, two beautifully) printed brochures and joint sponsorship (with the Visual Arts Board) of the John Szarkowski lecture tour.
Resignation
Unfortunately Laurie Le Guay, probably Australia's best known and most dedicated photographer, has resigned as trustee as from May 1 1974.
Le Guay has a wealth of knowledge and has been for years endeavouring to organise a scholarship system for your photographers.
I feel it was time some positive action was taken. After all, the centre's main aim is to promote photography and photographers.
Reading the aims and objects (in one of the beautifully printed brochures) one could not be blamed for getting excited, but after nine months, virtually nothing has happened.
Photography is badly organised in this country, and the centre should be leading the way. Perhaps photographers should be given the opportunity of putting their views.
A meeting would allow interchange of ideas and views, from which the centre would at least gain a better insight into what ????