Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, El cacharrero, 1778 - 79. P00780. Collection: Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid. 

BRISBANE.- The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art is partnering with Spanish energy, water and infrastructure group ACCIONA to present one of the most anticipated international art exhibitions ever to travel to Australia. 

Gallery Director Tony Ellwood said ACCIONA had come on board as principal sponsor for 'Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado', exclusive to the Queensland Art Gallery from the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, from July 21 to November 4, 2012. 

'ACCIONA is already a Benefactor Member of the Prado's sponsorship program that supports its international exhibitions and renovations program, and also supported the audio-visual project, 'The Prado' by contemporary artist Francesco Jodice, which will be screened at the Queensland Art Gallery while 'Portrait of Spain' is on display,' Mr Ellwood said. 

'This additional generous exhibition sponsorship is a significant contribution to our community and a very strong demonstration of the company's commitment as an ambassador for Spanish culture in Australia.' 

ACCIONA is one of three companies building Brisbane's $1.5 billion Legacy Way tunnel, and is also repairing and rebuilding roads that were damaged by the 2011 Queensland floods. 

Mr Ellwood said ACCIONA would also be supporting La Sala del Prado, a space adjoining the exhibition featuring an integrated cafe, bar, and interactive spaces custom built to reflect cutting edge contemporary Spanish design and including fun multimedia interactives and drawing activities for all ages. 

ACCIONA Chairman Jose Manuel Entrecanales said the company had operated in Australia for 10 years already and saw itself as a long-term partner in this country's development. 

'I am certain the Prado's first presentation in Australia will contribute to further strengthening our countries' cultural, social and economic ties, and we are extremely proud to make this journey alongside Spain's most eminent artists,' he said. 

ACCIONA operates on five continents and employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. The company has renewable energy, infrastructure and water projects planned over the next four years in Australia. 

Portrait of Spain is exclusive to the Queensland Art Gallery and will run from July 21 to November 4, 2012. The exhibition will also feature a major cinema program, an Up Late series, and extensive public and education programs.  

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727–1804, Venice), The Agony in the Garden (La Oración en el Huerto) 1772. Oil on canvas, 125 x 142cm. Collection: Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.

Juan Andrés Rizi (attrib.), Don Tiburcio de Redín y Cruzat 1635. Oil on canvas, 203 x 124cm. Collection: Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.