Patrick Corrigan AM

A dazzling array of more than 70 works of art from a diverse range of leading Aboriginal artists are displayed across the UNSW Art & Design Paddington Campus. These paintings and sculptures have been generously loaned by the irrepressible Patrick Corrigan AM. A passionate philanthropist, Corrigan's deep relationship with Australian art spans almost 50 years and encompasses art freighting, collecting and publishing art, to generous contributions to the arts. 

Corrigan has energetically collected Australian art since around 1970 when his company, Corrigan's Express, started freighting works of art and books. His thrill of the chase in seeking key works is legendary. Corrigan's extraordinary collections are extensive and diverse, ranging from contemporary art to photography.

Over the past 15 years, Corrigan has turned his attention to Australian Indigenous art, amassing a collection of more than 1000 works.

Selected works from this collection are hung in the meeting rooms, public spaces and offices throughout the Paddington campus. These artworks range from works by Jan Billycan, Paddy Japanangka Lewis, Nora Watson, Nellie Stewart and Carlene West whose work has been loaned to the Art Gallery of Western Australia for the Indigenous Art Awards 2015.

Corrigan is passionate about sharing Indigenous art. Along with New Beginnings: Classic Painting from the Corrigan Collection of 21st Century Aboriginal Art (2008) and Power + Colour: New Paintings from the Corrigan Collection of 21st Century Aboriginal Art (2012) he recently published the life works of Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori just months after her death.

Gabori: The Sally Gabori Collection of Patrick Corrigan was launched at Australian Galleries, Sydney by the former, and second longest–serving Governor of NSW, Dame Marie Bashir AD, CVO. In her speech, Dame Bashir praised Corrigan for his sustained support of the Australian arts sector through his philanthropic pursuits as well as his tireless advocacy for indigenous art.

Over a lifetime, Corrigan's philanthropy has provided more than 1000 Australian emerging artists with support, ranging from student awards to exhibition grants.