A multimillion-dollar partnership agreement has been signed between Tianqi Lithium Australia and the Foundation for the WA Museum.

The $5 million agreement is a significant contribution to the Foundation’s endowment program, Discovery Fund, and has secured Tianqi Lithium Australia with naming rights for the Connections gallery in the New Museum for WA.

Tianqi Lithium Corporation is one of the world’s largest lithium companies.  In WA, Tianqi Lithium Australia is currently building a $400 million lithium hydroxide processing plant in Kwinana, scheduled for completion at the end of 2018. It is also seeking approval for a $300 million expansion.  

The company has strong cultural connections with Western Australia including an ongoing partnership with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra through its school’s music education program.

Its latest partnership with the Foundation for the WA Museum demonstrates the company’s commitment to social and community development and promoting excellence in cultural exchange between WA and China.

Tianqi Lithium Corporation Chairman Mr Jiang Weiping attended the partnership signing this week, where he spoke about his company’s approach to cultural investment.

“This partnership demonstrates Tianqi Lithium Australia’s determination to be an engaged contributor to the local community.

“Partnering with the Foundation for the WA Museum demonstrates our commitment to building better relations between Australia and China, and importantly to bridge outdated cultural divides,” Mr Jiang said.

The Tianqi Lithium Connections Gallery will be located on the upper level of the New Museum, within the cantilevered gallery that frames the existing heritage-listed buildings.

The gallery will feature stories about exploration, trade, immigration, national and state allegiances and how these have influenced WA’s role relationships and contributions in a global context.

The partnership with will also enable the Museum to present world-renowned exhibitions of Chinese culture and support community outreach programs.

Foundation CEO Jenny Allen said private investment is vital to ensuring the New Museum is a state-of-the-art institution that maximises its potential beyond the capacity of government funding.    

“It is a naturally shared responsibility to ensure the Museum grows and preserves its assets on behalf of all Western Australians, to continue to engage with the community and benefit society now and into the future,” Ms Allen said.

 

Feature Image
Mr Jiang Weiping, Chairman, Tianqi Lithium Corporation; Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia; and Hon David Templeman MLA, Minister for Local Government; Heritage; Culture and the Arts with the model of the New Museum for WA, at the Foundation for the WA Museum and Tianqi Lithium partnership signing. 
Image courtesy of Tianqi Lithium Australia