BROKEN HILL SHARING THE NATIONAL COLLECTION LOAN SPOTLIGHTS WOMEN ARTISTS
A new Sharing the National Collection loan featuring works exclusively by women artists will go on display at Broken Hill City Art Gallery for two years as part of the Albanese Labor Government program.
The collection includes works by respected First Nations artist Janet Fieldhouse and renowned Australian artists Margaret Preston and Rosemary Madigan.
Additionally the loan also includes 11 artworks by internationally acclaimed artist Helen Frankenthaler.
Just two years on, the Sharing the National Collection program is proving to be a success with galleries reporting an average 50 per cent increase in visitors in the first six months of display.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said this program gives Australians the opportunity to view works that would have otherwise been sitting in the dark.
“At any point in time, 98 per cent of the national collection is held in storage, art is meant to be seen and appreciated not hidden away.
“Australian’s are now able to experience some truly incredible art pieces, closer to home.
Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O'Neill said the loan was a win for women artists and Broken Hill tourism.
“I’m thrilled that Broken Hill and the far west will be hosting these important cultural assets, and I’m proud to be part of a government that is making this possible.
“Regional Australians deserve to share our rich cultural heritage and to participate in exhibitions by international artists.
“I’m looking forward to seeing these works on display, which will give local residents and visitors another reason to visit the regional gallery.”
Director of the National Gallery, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said the loan was a chance to amplify the profiles of lesser-known artists.
“Sharing the art of women artists from the national collection with regional communities is essential to Know My Name, which aims to increase representation and enhance understanding of their contribution to cultural life.
“The Sharing the National Collection initiative has created further opportunity to celebrate the art and lives of women artists across Australia, as seen with this exciting partnership with Broken Hill City Art Gallery.”
Broken Hill City Art Gallery and Museum Manager, Kathryn Graham, said the loan would be great for the town.
“We feel truly honoured to be hosting this remarkable loan of works in our regional gallery. It is a privilege to share such important art with our community, and we thank the National Gallery for the opportunity to bring these works to Broken Hill.”
The sharing the National Collection program has provided support for the National Gallery to fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen right across the country.
Regional and suburban galleries can register their interest in the loan program here.