THE future of artworks and heritage pieces around Kingston are being discussed, as council drafts its first ever Visual Art and Heritage Collections Policy.
The policy will shape how visual artworks, heritage items, and monuments are kept and displayed. The mayor Georgina Oxley said “our heritage and artworks reflect Kingston’s evolving identity. This new policy will guide how we acquire, care for and make our collections accessible, while also considering how we respectfully retire items when appropriate.”
“We want to make sure we get this right, and the best way to do that is by hearing from our community,” she said. “This is the first time we’ve had a dedicated policy for our collections, and it’s about making sure they are preserved, shared and celebrated for generations to come. I encourage everyone in our community to take a look at the draft and let us know your thoughts.”
The draft guidelines outline criteria for “acquiring items for the Visual Art or Heritage Collections”.
“Council applies a clear and considered set of criteria to ensure that each object contributes meaningfully to the collection’s purpose and long-term value. Every potential acquisition must meet at least one of these criteria, with decisions made in consultation with subject matter experts and in line with professional standards,” the guidelines read.
“The item must be relevant to the collecting themes outlined in the policy and demonstrate significance, whether historical, artistic, social, or cultural. For visual artworks, additional weight is given to artistic integrity and the way the work reflects or contributes to contemporary artistic practice and local identity. Priority is given to works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, culturally and linguistically diverse artists, and artists with a connection to Kingston.
“Each item must also meet standards of provenance, condition, and legal and ethical compliance, including cultural protocols for items of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin. Other important considerations include the item’s interpretive potential, rarity, representativeness, and whether it duplicates existing holdings. Practical aspects, such as whether Council can safely store and publicly display the object, also play a role.”
Consultation on the draft Visual Art and Heritage Collections Policy 2025 closes on 28 September. To provide feedback visit www.yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/collections-policy-2025
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 24 September 2025