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Private Art Collections of Western Australia

Join former Director of the Art Gallery of Western Australia Alan Dodge AM for exclusive visits to a selection of Perth’s private, corporate and university art collections.

For 40,000 years, Western Australia’s First Nations People have created art which responds to the conditions of life in this remote part of the world, and in the last few decades, forward-thinking collectors have amassed impressive collections of local art alongside renowned international works. Visit the Janet Holmes à Court gallery, the Liza and Michael Blakiston Collection in their private home and take a curator-led tour of the Wesfarmers Corporation collection.

Explore the deep connection to Country, which intrinsically links Western Australia’s unique flora with its artists’ creations as you wander through the natural beauty of Kings Park overlooking the Swan River, and uncover the city’s distinct architecture and arts culture.

 

This tour is part of the World Art Tours program organised by the Art Gallery Society of NSW in partnership with Renaissance Tours.

At a Glance

  • Gain exclusive access to the gallery of Janet Holmes à Court, private home collections and the Wesfarmers Corporation collection
  • Meet the curators and collectors propelling Perth’s cultural coming-of-age
  • Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia with Alan Dodge, a former Director of the gallery
  • Uncover the impressive Murdoch University Art Collection of modern and First Australians’ art
  • Take a step backstage at the West Australian Ballet Centre, home of the acclaimed West Australian Ballet company

Tour Leader

Alan Dodge

Destination

Perth

Dates

26–30 April 2021 (5 days)

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Tour Status

Available

Enquire Book now

At a Glance

  • Gain exclusive access to the gallery of Janet Holmes à Court, private home collections and the Wesfarmers Corporation collection
  • Meet the curators and collectors propelling Perth’s cultural coming-of-age
  • Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia with Alan Dodge, a former Director of the gallery
  • Uncover the impressive Murdoch University Art Collection of modern and First Australians’ art
  • Take a step backstage at the West Australian Ballet Centre, home of the acclaimed West Australian Ballet company
Download Brochure
  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Monday 26 April 2021 / Arrive Perth

Arrive in Perth and make your own way to the hotel for check-in from 15:00. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements.

At 18:00, join Alan and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and drink before a special dinner in Perth’s newly revitalized Hibernian Hall precinct.

(D)

Tue 27 Apr / Perth

This morning visit the internationally renowned Janet Holmes à Court collection, including a tour of the current exhibition and access to pieces of the collection not presently on gallery display. This extensive collection consists of more than 5,000 registered Australian and international artworks with a strong emphasis on Indigenous art.

Then, enjoy lunch at Murdoch University before uncovering how the institution’s approach to its art collection enhances the teaching and learning experience of the university community on a tour with the gallery’s curator.

In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Kings Park with panoramic views from the distant Perth Hills across the city skyline to the silken blue waters of the Swan River. Join an expert on the unique flora native to Western Australia for a guided wildflower walk along Federation Walkway.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

(BL)

Wed 28 Apr / Perth

Today, take a guided backstage tour of the West Australian Ballet Centre, including the company’s wardrobes, where most of the costumes are made in-house. Enjoy morning tea at the Centre with members of the company.

In the afternoon visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia with Alan, who is the former Director of the gallery. The Whadjuk Noongar people are the traditional custodians of the land on which the gallery stands, and the space is dedicated to the interpretation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art complemented by impressive international acquisitions. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to further view the collection at your own pace.

This evening, enjoy dinner in the private home of Liza and Michael Blakiston. Their remarkable collection of modern art expresses ideas, forms and motifs from across the globe.

(BD)

Thu 29 Apr / Perth

This morning view a private collection before visiting the University of Western Australia’s Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery. This university collection features innovative and varied exhibitions of contemporary and historic art with a special exhibition of the Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art, the nation’s only public collection of art by Australian women.

Return to the hotel before an after-hours visit to the Wesfarmers Corporation collection at the Perth company’s head office. The collection highlights the value of art in Australia’s workplaces and seeks to encourage artistic thinking and vision throughout society. Enjoy a special farewell dinner at a restaurant in Perth’s city centre.

(BD)

Fri 30 Apr / Depart Perth

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour.

(B)

Per person, twin share

AUD 3,950

Single supplement

AUD 550

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 1,000

Final payment due

24 February 2021

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

AG2142

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.

Tour price includes

  • Accommodation in a centrally-located five-star hotel with breakfast daily (B)
  • Talks and guided visits by your tour leader, Alan Dodge
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with meals
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Porterage
  • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis, minibar, room service etc.
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotel

The Westin Perth *****
The Westin Perth offers a relaxing getaway in an ideal city location, steps away from shopping and entertainment, with the picturesque Swan River and tranquil parks and gardens within easy reach. The hotel is adorned with striking artworks from local artists inspired by Western Australia’s unique natural topography and guest wellness is at the forefront of the hotel’s design.

 N.B. A hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.

The Westin Perth

The Westin Perth

The Westin Perth

Fitness Level

Moderate

?

Elise Blumann On the Swan, Crawley 1938 State Art Collection Art Gallery of Western Australia © Elise Blumann 1938

Art Gallery of Western Australia

Frederick Garling, View from Mount Eliza, 1927 watercolour, 15 x 37 cm, Janet Holmes à Court Collection (detail)

Skyline of Perth from Kings Park

Private Art Collections of Western Australia

Join former Director of the Art Gallery of Western Australia Alan Dodge AM for exclusive visits to a selection of Perth’s private, corporate and university art collections.

For 40,000 years, Western Australia’s First Nations People have created art which responds to the conditions of life in this remote part of the world, and in the last few decades, forward-thinking collectors have amassed impressive collections of local art alongside renowned international works. Visit the Janet Holmes à Court gallery, the Liza and Michael Blakiston Collection in their private home and take a curator-led tour of the Wesfarmers Corporation collection.

Explore the deep connection to Country, which intrinsically links Western Australia’s unique flora with its artists’ creations as you wander through the natural beauty of Kings Park overlooking the Swan River, and uncover the city’s distinct architecture and arts culture.

 

This tour is part of the World Art Tours program organised by the Art Gallery Society of NSW in partnership with Renaissance Tours.

  • Itinerary
  • Pricing
  • Hotels

Monday 26 April 2021 / Arrive Perth

Arrive in Perth and make your own way to the hotel for check-in from 15:00. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements.

At 18:00, join Alan and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and drink before a special dinner in Perth’s newly revitalized Hibernian Hall precinct.

(D)

Tue 27 Apr / Perth

This morning visit the internationally renowned Janet Holmes à Court collection, including a tour of the current exhibition and access to pieces of the collection not presently on gallery display. This extensive collection consists of more than 5,000 registered Australian and international artworks with a strong emphasis on Indigenous art.

Then, enjoy lunch at Murdoch University before uncovering how the institution’s approach to its art collection enhances the teaching and learning experience of the university community on a tour with the gallery’s curator.

In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Kings Park with panoramic views from the distant Perth Hills across the city skyline to the silken blue waters of the Swan River. Join an expert on the unique flora native to Western Australia for a guided wildflower walk along Federation Walkway.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

(BL)

Wed 28 Apr / Perth

Today, take a guided backstage tour of the West Australian Ballet Centre, including the company’s wardrobes, where most of the costumes are made in-house. Enjoy morning tea at the Centre with members of the company.

In the afternoon visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia with Alan, who is the former Director of the gallery. The Whadjuk Noongar people are the traditional custodians of the land on which the gallery stands, and the space is dedicated to the interpretation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art complemented by impressive international acquisitions. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to further view the collection at your own pace.

This evening, enjoy dinner in the private home of Liza and Michael Blakiston. Their remarkable collection of modern art expresses ideas, forms and motifs from across the globe.

(BD)

Thu 29 Apr / Perth

This morning view a private collection before visiting the University of Western Australia’s Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery. This university collection features innovative and varied exhibitions of contemporary and historic art with a special exhibition of the Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art, the nation’s only public collection of art by Australian women.

Return to the hotel before an after-hours visit to the Wesfarmers Corporation collection at the Perth company’s head office. The collection highlights the value of art in Australia’s workplaces and seeks to encourage artistic thinking and vision throughout society. Enjoy a special farewell dinner at a restaurant in Perth’s city centre.

(BD)

Fri 30 Apr / Depart Perth

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour.

(B)

Per person, twin share

AUD 3,950

Single supplement

AUD 550

Deposit per person (at time of booking)

AUD 1,000

Final payment due

24 February 2021

Room category upgrade available on request; please enquire with us.

Tour code

AG2142

Fitness level

Moderate
Please see Terms & Conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested airline

Qantas
Please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for current airfares and flight reservations.

Visa

New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to visit Australia.

Tour price includes

  • Accommodation in a centrally-located five-star hotel with breakfast daily (B)
  • Talks and guided visits by your tour leader, Alan Dodge
  • Meals as per itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner), including wine with meals
  • Comprehensive sightseeing, including entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Transportation on comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and wait staff

Tour price does not include

  • Airfares (please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Porterage
  • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis, minibar, room service etc.
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended; please contact Renaissance Tours or your travel agent for assistance)

 

Your hotel

The Westin Perth *****
The Westin Perth offers a relaxing getaway in an ideal city location, steps away from shopping and entertainment, with the picturesque Swan River and tranquil parks and gardens within easy reach. The hotel is adorned with striking artworks from local artists inspired by Western Australia’s unique natural topography and guest wellness is at the forefront of the hotel’s design.

 N.B. A hotel of a similar standard may be substituted.

The Westin Perth

The Westin Perth

The Westin Perth

Book now
Enquire
Download Brochure

Private Art Collections of Western Australia

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        Participation in tours

        Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. However, in certain destinations, or in certain seasons, or because of the nature of travel, certain tours will require an ABOVE MODERATE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. For the overall benefit of the group, at the time of booking we will require you to declare in writing that you are fit to participate in your chosen tour according to the level of fitness required for that tour. If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to undergo a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.
        We reserve the right to refuse admission to the tour for any reason before commencement of the tour. Further, if after the tour has begun it becomes apparent that you are unfit or unsuitable to travel on the tour, we reserve the right to require you to withdraw from the tour at the earliest opportunity to do so. No refund will be provided.
        It is also a requirement that you do not cause any significant disruption to the tour or the tour group, and we may refuse admission on the tour, or require you to withdraw from the tour at any time if your participation causes significant disruption for other guests or the tour group or there is any safety issue as a result of your ongoing participation in the tour.

        Fitness to participate

        Moderate

        Tour members must be able to:

        • negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance
        • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
        • undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces
        • stand for long periods in museums and other sites
        • embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance
        • handle your own luggage

        Above Moderate

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • undertake walking tours of 2-3 hours
        • climb staircases of 100 or more steps

        Challenging*

        In addition to the above, tour members must also be able to:

        • handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 or above 35 degrees)
        • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres and above)

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        Renaissance Tours

        Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001

        1300 727 095 (Australia) | 0800 403 621 (New Zealand)
        phone +61 2 9299 5801 | fax +61 2 9299 5805 | email info@renaissancetours.com.au

        ABN 14 069 591 448.

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