ADELAIDE.- Following the huge success of The Lab, The Hive, The Eko Chamber and The Drawing Room, the Art Gallery of South Australia will unveil a new dedicated learning activity space for children, families and art lovers of all ages thanks to the generous support of the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation.

Officially launched this Wednesday, 30 January 2013, by the Hon. Jay Weatherill, MP, Premier of South Australia, The Studio will be responsive to the Gallery’s extensive collection and changing exhibition program, making available ‘hands on’ activities daily, with a focus on school groups during the week.

Art Gallery of South Australia Director, Nick Mitzevich says “The Studio is a dynamic space of art education and audience engagement.”

“The Studio also signals the Gallery’s commitment to developing its audiences – now and into the future. It represents a bold step forward for the Gallery, into the community, to embrace art lead learning experiences and the art of discovery. “

The inaugural iteration of The Studio will be Turner’s Studio – designed for the major exhibition Turner from the Tate: The Making of a Master. The activities in Turner’s Studio have been purposely designed to bring core ideas from Turner’s work to life. Turner is often described as the ‘painter of light’ and the activities designed for the space will encourage visitors to experiment with light and colour. Adelaide based artists Bridgette Minuzzo has made a kaleidoscopic digital animation as a dynamic backdrop in the space.

Generous funding from the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation has made possible both the construction, fit-out and implementation of this permanent space to benefit art lovers of all ages.

“The Studio has been made possible through the exceptional generosity and enduring support of Mrs Diana Ramsay. An eminent citizen and art supporter, Mrs Ramsay and the James and Diana Ramsay Foundation have made a profound investment in making South Australia a culturally rich state, said Mr Mitzevich.

The Studio will be officially launched by the Hon. JayWeatherill, MP, Premier of South Australia on Wednesday 30 January 2013 and will open to the public to coincide with the opening of Turner from the Tate: The Making of a Master on Friday 8 February 2013.