Art Gallery of New South Wales director Dr Michael Brand said, “I welcome the announcement of Richard Crookes Constructions as the selected contractor for the Sydney Modern Project.

“We look forward to the next stage of the project that will bring physical form to SANAA’s magnificent design. We are creating an extraordinary building that will transform our institution and the way visitors engage with art,” Dr Brand said.

A public Art Garden will link the new and existing gallery buildings, creating a unique art museum experience for all visitors.

The Gallery has been in discussions with leading Australian and international artists and cultural organisations to plan site-specific commissions, future exhibitions and collaborations.

The $344 million Sydney Modern Project is the largest public-private partnership of its kind to be successfully achieved to date in the Australian arts. Together with the NSW Government’s $244 million in funding, the Gallery has attracted unprecedented philanthropic support, exceeding its fundraising target of $100 million to support the construction of the new standalone building.

President of the Art Gallery of New South Wales Board of Trustees, David Gonski AC said, “This is an exciting time for the state’s leading art museum as we move closer to realising our compelling vision for the future.

“We are truly grateful for the NSW Government’s foresight in making such a significant public investment in the arts, and the very generous donors who have pledged support for the new building,” Mr Gonski said.

Infrastructure NSW is managing the delivery of the expansion project on behalf of the government and Gallery. Construction of the Sydney Modern Project is expected to commence in the coming months and be completed in 2022.