Giving
Make a bequest

Overview | | Make a Bequest | Giving stories | Benefits

Bequesting money

You can bequest cash, a percentage of your estate, residuary gift or an interest in a trust created in the Will. All bequests are welcome, whatever the size, and there are no fees. Your bequest will be used solely to acquire works of art for the national collection or for your nominated purpose. We recommend that you seek professional advice from your solicitor or financial adviser in arranging a bequest to the NGA.

Bequesting works of art

You can also include works of art in your bequest. The NGA acquires works of art in line with its acquisitions policy. Our curators can discuss the Gallery's collecting needs with you.

Bequests may be made in memory or honour of family or friends. To ensure your wishes for your bequest are made clear we encourage open discussion . Bequests to the NGA are managed through the NGA Foundation (a deductible gift recipient). The NGA respects those who wish to remain anonymous in their giving

Wording of your bequest

To ensure that your wishes are enacted, please use this wording in your Will:

  • Gift of art: 'I give my (clearly describe the work of art) to the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory for its use at its absolute discretion.'
  • Gift of cash or a proportion of your estate: 'I give (proportion of estate or dollar amount or the residue of my estate) to the National Gallery of Australia Foundation, Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory for the purpose of acquiring works of art.'
  • Gift to The Foundation: 'I give (proportion of estate or dollar amount or the residue of my estate) to the National Gallery of Australia Foundation for its use and benefit absolutely.'

Benefits

If you leave a bequest to the NGA you will be:

  • invited to an exclusive Bequest Circle Recognition Annual Event and to other NGA events and programs
  • formally acknowledged in the NGA Foundation Annual Report, in Artonview and, for bequests of over $100,000, on the Gallery's honour boards
  • acknowledged for all gifts of works of art, or acquisitions made with the support of a bequest, on the work's display label and wherever the image of that work is reproduced.

What is the Bequest Circle?

The Bequest Circle acknowledges and honours the important role that benefactors play in the development of the national art collection during their lifetime. It provides the opportunity to enjoy a closer relationship with the NGA and be involved with Foundation events.

To become a member of the Bequest Circle you simply need to let us know that you have remembered the NGA in your Will. You can do this by:

  • notifying us of your intention to make a bequest
  • sending us a copy of the relevant section of your Will
  • sending us a letter of confirmation from your solicitor.

Liz Wilson
Bequests Manager
phone +61 2 6240 6469