Frequently Asked Questions – Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery

COVID 19 updates

Q. What COVID requirements do I have adhere to in the Gallery ?

A. Updated COVID 19 contact tracing requirements require all visitors to the Gallery to check in using the new QR code via mysagov app or sign in on arrival for contact tracing requirements.

You can read the COVID SAfe Check-In: Frequently asked questions for customers here

We ask while in the Gallery that all members of the public practice good hygiene and social distancing from one another, staff and other members of the public
Keep 1.5 metres from others whenever and wherever possible.
Wear a mask when you can’t physically distance.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild, get tested and stay home while you await your results.
Stay home if you’re unwell to avoid making others sick.

Tours

Subject to COVID 19 requirements outlined above

Q. Does the Gallery conduct guided tours?
A. Yes. The Gallery schedules free, public Arts Walk-in Tours of the Collection and exhibitions every week day. Visit the What’s on section for details.

Q. Can the Gallery provide a special tour for my group?
A. Yes. Customised tours can be arranged. Our tours are free, however booking is required.

Q. Can I book my class in for a school tour
A. Yes. Just a few things to note for School Groups and SA Government mandated requirements in the Gallery.

Please pre book your School Group.
Entry and exit will be from Mary Elie Street entrance of the cultural precinct
School bags are discouraged
Groups must be divided into smaller groups. This will mean dividing classes into smaller groups if they exceed 20, the recently updated capacity of Gallery spaces.
This advice is subject to change based on updates from SA Government.
We encourage non-flash photography to record and support discussion back at school. You can take photographs for personal use in all areas of the Gallery unless signs say otherwise.

and remember:

We ask while in the building that all schools practice good hygiene and social distancing from one another, staff and other members of the public
Keep 1.5 metres from others whenever and wherever possible.
Wear a mask when you can’t physically distance.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild, get tested and stay home while you await your results.
Stay home if you’re unwell to avoid making others sick.

Times and Charges

Q. When is the Gallery open?
Opening hours have changed recently due to COVID. Please check our social media channels for latest updates on opening hours.
A. 9am-5pm, Monday- Friday. We are closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday

Q. Is there an entry charge?
A. Admission to the Gallery is free however, donations are always warmly welcomed.

Exhibitions and Events

Q. What exhibitions and collection displays are currently showing at the Gallery?
A. Visit our What’s on section for information on current exhibitions, displays and events.

Volunteers

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Gallery is not actively recruiting Volunteers at the current time, however potential Volunteers are welcome to enquire via uhalpin@pirie.sa.gov.au

Q. Do you have a volunteer program?
A. Yes. Volunteers contribute to the day-to-day smooth running of the Gallery. Their assistance with Information Desk, Tours and Education services is supported by the Gallery’s on-going volunteer training schemes.

Conservation and Artwork Valuation

Q. Can the Gallery provide a valuation for an artwork that I own?
A. No, the Gallery is not able to provide valuations. The Australian Government’s Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts provides a list of approved valuers which can be accessed here.

Q. Can the Gallery repair an artwork that I own?
A. No, Gallery staff cannot advise or repair/conserve your work of art. Visit the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material to access a searchable directory which can be used to find qualified conservators in your State working in commercial practice.

Q. How long does artwork treatment take?
A. The length of a conservation treatment is dictated by the needs of the object. In some cases it can take as long as eighteen months. Your conservator can best advise you.

Q. How do I become a conservator?
A. Conservation is a professional career, and as such requires both university qualifications and training. In Australia, the two training providers are the University of Canberra(undergraduate), and the University of Melbourne(postgraduate).

Q. Where can I find out more about conservation in Australia?
A. You can visit the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material(AICCM) which is the professional body for conservation practice in Australia. Here you will find information about conservation, including caring for your artwork or collections, projects being undertaken or how to become a trained conservator.

Research

Q. I need information for a school assignment on a South Australian artist can you help?
A. We recommend you source information via Port Pirie Regional Library or the Internet. The metropolitan university libraries at University of South Australia, Adelaide University and Flinders University have comprehensive art libraries. You do not have to be a student of the University to use them for research purposes, only if you want to borrow a book.

General

Q. What’s on display?
A. Visit our Whats on page for details of the latest exhibition in our galleries. We have a number of artworks held in collection of which which approximately 50% are on display around Port Pirie Regional Council sites including Port Pirie Regional Library and the Port Pirie Visitors Information Centre at any one time. Displays include paintings, prints, sculpture, photography and craft. The Gallery has both historical and contemporary works held in it its collection. Collection displays are rotated regularly and are supported by a program of temporary exhibitions.

Q. Can I take photographs in the Gallery?
A. Yes, visitors are permitted to take photographs with hand-held devices in non-restricted public areas within the Port Pirie Regional Gallery for personal use only. The use of tripods, flash or additional lighting is not permitted. Images photographed under this policy cannot be reproduced, displayed on personal websites, or used commercially.

Some areas of the Gallery and/or some temporary exhibitions may, at various times, be excluded from this policy. These areas will display signage at the entrance of the exhibition or Gallery advising of the photography restrictions.

Q. Can I sketch in the Gallery?
A. Subject to COVID 19 regulations, Yes. Pencil only (no ink, oil paint, watercolours – chalk-based products and charcoal are not permitted in the Gallery spaces as dust picked up by the air-conditioning may damage artworks). Easels or stools are not permitted while sketching – use a hand held pad of paper, the maximum size sketchbook allowed in the Gallery is the A3 size. If galleries are crowded, staff may ask visitors to stop sketching.

Q. Does the Gallery sell artworks?
A. Yes, depending on the exhibition. Art works for sale will generally be priced.

Q. Does the Gallery conduct art workshops?
A. Subject to COVID 19 regulations, Yes. The Gallery offers classes through our Events program. Enquire via uhalpin@pirie.sa.gov.au

Q. Can I take my water bottle or food into the Gallery?
A. No, food and beverage are not permitted in the exhibition galleries. This precaution ensures that our works of art are protected against accidental and costly damage.

Q. Why are some works behind glass?
A. Some works are behind glass as a precaution measure to protect the surface from accidental handling or damage. It helps to preserve works for future generations.

Q. Why is it so cold in the Gallery?
A. The materials that make up an artwork last longer in cooler temperatures. In addition, fluctuations in temperature could have damaging effects on many of the works on display. That is why the temperature within the Gallery is maintained at specific constant levels that accord with international art museum standards to ensure that all works are displayed in the best possible environment that reduces the risk of damage.

Q. Is there a WiFi internet service I can use at the Gallery?
A. You can access our FREE WiFi service, Port Pirie Free WiFi. As this is a free service available to everyone there are restrictions on making excessive demands on the limited bandwidth and all users are required to accept the terms and conditions as they connect to these free WiFi services.

Q. How do I access the free WiFi internet service?
In order to access the free WiFi internet service you will need to follow these simple steps:

Turn on your Laptop or mobile phone with WiFi access in the Cultural Precinct and scan for available WiFi access points.
Your laptop/mobile phone should then find Port Pirie Free WiFi network and connect.
The service will accept your connection.
Open a web browser and navigate your chosen website. If you haven’t logged in to the wifi network before, Port Pirie Free WiFi will redirect you to the WiFi landing page where you will need to accept the Terms & Conditions. Any attempt to navigate to any web address without accepting the Terms & Conditions will end up in an automatic redirection back to the WiFi landing page.
To proceed simply click on the ‘Agree’ (or ‘Accept’ button on the WiFi landing page, and you will be logged in.
From this point on, the you can access any web address via one of these WiFi services.
When using Port Pirie Free WiFi and listening to audio, please be aware of others and use a headset to listen to our audio tours or other audio/video material.