SOUTH BRISBANE.- Premier and Arts Minister Anna Bligh today announced a landmark five-year partnership between Santos and the Queensland Art Gallery, making it the Gallery’s leading corporate partner.

Ms Bligh said Santos, one of Australia’s top 20 companies, will be the presenting sponsor for the Queensland Art Gallery’s annual summer series of exhibitions and sponsor of the Children’s Art Centre.

“We’re delighted to see Santos make this high level, long-term commitment to supporting the Queensland community through these major exhibitions and the Children’s Art Centre,” the Premier said.

“The summer series’ three-year cycle of exhibitions comprises the Gallery’s acclaimed Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, a major international art exhibition and the Contemporary Australia series.

“Santos’ support will also contribute to the work of the Children’s Art Centre, which includes major projects and activities across both galleries and in regional Queensland.”

Ms Bligh said the summer series of exhibitions made a vital contribution to the cultural and economic life of the state, attracting international and interstate visitors.

Queensland Art Gallery Director Tony Ellwood said Santos had been an important supporter of the Gallery for almost two decades, and had supported 10 previous exhibitions including the record breaking Andy Warhol exhibition in 2007-08.

“This new agreement represents the most significant single corporate investment ever made in the Gallery,” Mr Ellwood said.

The Santos announcement comes just weeks ahead of the December 5 opening of The 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, which is presenting more than 100 artists from 25 countries, and will feature more than 500 art works and films.

Rick Wilkinson, President Gladstone LNG and Queensland for Santos, said the company was excited about the opportunities and community engagement the partnership with the Gallery would deliver.

"This partnership links the innovation and drive of the Gallery with our own values of energy and discovery. It fits perfectly with our connection to Asian partners and customers," Mr Wilkinson said.

"With major interests here in Queensland, where we are working hard on delivering a world first with our Gladstone Liquefied Natural Gas project, around Australia and also in the Asia Pacific, it's genuinely exciting for us to contribute to the summer series, and forge new and creative links within the region.

“We see art as a way of bringing people and ideas together and the community benefits from this exchange."