Bequests in wills have become increasingly important in building the Gallery’s collection and supporting our work.

Major donors who have contributed in this way over the years include JF Archibald, Yvonne Buchanan May, Mary Heseltine, Mervyn Horton, Rudy Komon, David Wilson, Jim & Mollie Gowing and Patrick White.

Bequests can comprise specific amounts of money or assets such as artworks, real estate, shares or proceeds of an insurance policy; proportions of estates; or residual estates after benefits have been allocated to family and friends.

They can be directed to either the Art Gallery of NSW Trust for any purpose, or the Gallery’s Foundation for the acquisition of major works of art.

Depending on the size of the bequest, the Gallery may offer appropriate acknowledgement and honorary membership of the Foundation in appreciation.

Recent changes to tax legislation are favourable to donors and should be discussed with your tax adviser or lawyer.

Wording the will

Suggested wording for a simple gift in a will to the Trust is:

I give devise and bequeath [% of my estate/$x /the rest and residue of my estate] to the Art Gallery of New South Wales Trust ('the Gallery’) for the use and benefit of the Gallery at its absolute discretion and I direct that a receipt from the Secretary of the Gallery shall be sufficient discharge for such gift.

Suggested wording for a simple gift in a will to the Foundation is:

I give devise and bequeath [% of my estate/$x /the rest and residue of my estate] to the Art Gallery of New South Wales Foundation ('the Foundation’) for the use and benefit of the Foundation at its absolute discretion and I direct that a receipt from the Secretary of the Foundation shall be sufficient discharge for such gift.

Give your support

The Gallery’s head of philanthropy is available to discuss any proposed bequest or gift and to explain options. The first step is to contact the Foundation (see right).

See also Donate artwork.