“Unparalleled donation” sees NGV Contemporary renamed

Following a sizeable donation of $100 million from husband and wife Lindsay and Paula Fox, the NGV Contemporary is paying tribute to the family with its new name The Fox: NGV Contemporary.

The funding, which will contribute to the build of the NGV Contemporary, has been recognised as the largest cultural gift for a capital program ever made to an Australian art museum by a living donor.

The astounding amount has left National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) director Tony Ellwood “astonished” and “overwhelmed” by the level of generosity from the couple who have had a long-held commitment and history in supporting the NGV.

“The Fox family should be commended on their leadership in this sector and for the real, tangible impact that their giving has, and will continue to have, on the lives of so many,” Mr Ellwood said.

“We are delighted to see the vision for NGV Contemporary supported by the Fox family, who are long-time champions of the NGV.”

This gift is a testament to their strong sense of civic pride and their belief in the accessibility of the arts to all members of our community.

NGV’s president of the Council of Trustees Janet Whiting also thanked the Fox family, labelling the funding an “unparalleled donation.”

Lindsay Fox is an Australian businessman who founded Australian logistics company Linfox, and alongside his wife Paula Fox they have made a number of contributions over the years to the arts, housing and medical research sectors.

Mrs Fox, who is also an NGV Foundation board member, said on the night of the announcement that the Fox family believed in the “vital work of the NGV” and hoped their donation would “inspire others in supporting this program.”

“This gift is the culmination of many years of passionate support for the NGV, its acquisitions and its wider program. We believe in the impact of the incredible work of the gallery, which brings joy to our community through art and design,” she said.

The funding announcement event took place at NGV International on April 19, a date which also coincided with Mr Fox’s 85th birthday.

After taking the time to remark on the “extraordinary gift”, Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson also spoke about the importance of philanthropy transforming cities.

The Southbank project is part of the Victorian Government’s $1.7 billion investment into transforming the Melbourne Arts Precinct and will be designed by NSW firm Angelo Candalepas and Associates after it successfully completed the extensive selection process.

The project, which is set to open in 2028, will have created more than 11,000 jobs throughout the life of the project with hundreds of ongoing creative sector jobs hoped to be generated when completed. 

To be built at 77 Southbank Boulevard, the globally significant landmark’s latest donation from the Fox family will be added onto the already donated $20 million from the Ian Potter Foundation •

Caption: Paula Fox AO and Lindsay Fox AC at the NGV Contemporary funding announcement at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Josh Robenstone.

Daytime render of winning concept design for NGV Contemporary by Angelo Candalepas and Associates, and public green space, facing south. Render by Darcstudio.