A cohort of young art-lovers who went behind the scenes at the National Gallery of Australia did not shy away from firing some tough questions at director Gerard Vaughan this week.
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Sixteen students from across Australia have gained insight into what it takes to run a major cultural institution through the gallery's 2015 National Summer Art Scholarship.
Dr Vaughan said he met with the students earlier this week and among topics covered during a wide-ranging conversation about art and museums was a "very frank discussion" on the provenance of the gallery's Asian artworks.
The gallery announced an independent review to address ongoing concerns over the origins of pieces in its 5000-strong Asian art collection late last year.
Dr Vaughan said he was impressed by the students' questions on the concept of a museum, why such institutions should collect items at all, the role of the Canberra gallery and the balance between works by Australian and international artists in its collection.
They also discussed arts funding and the business side of museums.
The students were selected from hundreds of applicants for their love of art. The intensive program of workshops, tours and activities was designed to give insight and access to the gallery's artists, curators and collection.
Dr Vaughan said the annual scholarship aimed to inspire a new generation of artists and art professionals through a challenging and exciting program.
"Each year we find new ways to nurture the creativity of these young and talented Australians who, after being selected, often go on to study and work in creative industries," he said.
"Some may become professional artists while others may want to work across the arts more broadly in different media; some of the most creative people are working in advertising right now.
"The experience they're getting hopefully will stand them in good stead for whatever they do next."
The group was given a private tour of the summer blockbuster James Turrell: A Retrospective exhibition and met with Australian installation artist Cameron Robbins.
Students also worked with artists in creative workshops at the Australian National University School of Art and were mentored by NGA staff.
Dr Vaughan hoped benefits of the program for the students were two-fold, whether they decided on a career in the art world or not:
"They've been provoked to think hard about what it is to run a high-profile cultural institution like the NGA.
"And they've hopefully just had a great week, as they've seen the workings of a great cultural institution and a complex organisation."
