Dr Patrick Corrigan AM, one of Australia’s most prolific art collectors and patrons, has today been granted the Key to the City of Gold Coast, alongside fellow philanthropic contributor to the arts and culture sector, Win Schubert.
Dr Corrigan has been the driving force behind Bond University's Corrigan Walk, Australia's largest private collection of Indigenous art on display to the public, not only donating and loaning artwork but also encouraging friends and artists to do the same.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate presented the awards this week.
“Both Mrs Schubert and Dr Corrigan have provided outstanding services to the city. They are significant benefactors who have devoted time as well as money towards the cultural betterment of our city,” Cr Tate said.
“The Key to the City is reserved for the city's highest achievers and is the greatest honour a community can bestow. This award is well deserved; they have made an enormous contribution to arts and culture in our city.
“Mrs Schubert and Pat Corrigan have been pioneering arts and culture development in the city for many years. Long before they received the Key to the City they were unlocking the significance of the sector and highlighting its potential here on the Gold Coast.
“We are seeing a huge acceleration in the development of arts and culture on the Gold Coast. It is people like Win Schubert and Pat Corrigan whose support will help achieve our cultural vision to elevate the sector and lead the way nationally by supporting artists and generating outstanding cultural product,” he said.
Catherine O'Sullivan, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Pathways & Partnerships at Bond University, said Dr Corrigan had been an invaluable supporter of Bond University over many years.
"Thanks to Dr Corrigan's generosity, Bond University is home to Australia's largest private collection of Indigenous art on public display," said Ms O'Sullivan.
"The Corrigan Walk, named in honour of Dr Corrigan, has drawn international acclaim and features the works of our most celebrated and revered Indigenous artists including Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Sally Gabori, Tommy Watson and Gloria Petyarre.
"His patronage of the University’s annual Indigenous Gala and Art Auction, which, since 2010, has raised more than $660,000 to fund Bond scholarships and student support for promising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
"We congratulate Dr Corrigan on being awarded the Key to the City in recognition of his outstanding services to the Gold Coast."