SAM’s collection represents the cultural aspirations of one of Australia’s important regional cities. It includes important Australia works from colonial times to the present, and nationally significant holdings of ceramics and contemporary art.
Today SAM focuses on collecting Australian art in all media (including ceramics), with a focus on contemporary and Indigenous Australian art. Recent acquisition highlights include work by Tony Albert, Greg Creek, Brent Harris, Pat Brassington, Richard Lewer, Sam Jinks, Dale Frank and Fiona Foley.