This pioneering publication outlines the exciting and often controversial development of Australia's public galleries and the changing conditions that have determined their exhibition programs from the 1960s to the present. The extravagantly illustrated chapters are based on the extensive research of four authors associated with four universities from three states. Trace the growth and evolution of curatorial practice in Australia's rapidly changing art scene. Read how initial consultations between state gallery directors in the 1950s and 60s led to the emergence of national endeavours under the guidance of Gough Whitlam.

Richly annotated with multiple appendices and a comprehensive index of more than 1,500 entries, this publication is an incredible resource for Australian art history that concludes with an analysis of the value of exhibitions that enables visitors to 'see art with fresh eyes and see the world anew'.