The Gallery was established in 1986, the collection is largely built from the acquisitions of an annual prize, one of the collections strengths is contemporary photography. Annual awards include: the Josephine Ulrick Win Schubert Photography Award ; Conrad Jupiters Gold Coast City Art Prize ; Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award ; and in alternate years, The Border Art prize in conjunction with the Tweed River Art Gallery.

Rupert Goodman was on the University of Queensland's academic staff 1959-1980. During that time he was Assistant Director, Dept of Education, External Studies, 1960-70 and was a member of the University Senate 1976-87.