Private initiative
Aboriginal art enthusiasts set up an association in 1999, which formed the foundation for the present AAMU. The museum opened in March 2001. The Board of Trustees has eight members; its chairman is Hans Sondaal, former Dutch Ambassador in Australia.
The museum employs eleven members of staff - a total of six FTEs. In addition, the museum works together with a group of some fifteen guides who are available on-call, as well as thirty volunteers.
Up until now, the museum has not received any government subsidy or funding. The museum does however receive substantial financial support each year from a number of private sponsors. Furthermore, the museum can rely on the support of its Friends Association. Sponsors make an important contribution to the museum, too. All of these factors enable the AAMU to occupy a prominent position in the national and international museum arena of contemporary art.
The museum's objective is 'to bring Dutch and foreign visitors into contact with Aboriginal art, and, additionally, to exhibit the various directions and trends that have developed during the short existence of this art form (since 1970).' The goal is to get the general public excited about the unique character of this art form and the artists, who draw their inspiration from the oldest living culture on earth, namely that of the Aborigines in Australia.
The members of the Board of Trustees are:
Mr H.H.M. Sondaal (Chairman)
Mr G.F. Bloemink (Treasurer)
Mr J.M.F.X. van Veggel (Secretary)
Ms E. van Oirschot
Mr E.M. Jansen Schoonhoven
Ms A. de Waal
Mr C.H.M. van Steenhoven
Mr E. Odenwald
